Konkan Railway adds Nandgaon Road halt to Kolad‑Verna Ro‑Ro car service
The Konkan Railway has announced a new halt for its Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) Car Transportation Service. The addition of Nandgaon Road as a stop on the route between Kolad in Maharashtra and Verna in Goa is a direct response to public demand and underscores a commitment to customer-centric and eco-friendly solutions. This innovative service, which allows travellers to transport their cars by rail, is a critical step in reducing the carbon footprint of long-distance road travel. By shifting vehicles from congested highways to the more efficient railway network, the Konkan Railway is actively contributing to the creation of cleaner, greener, and more sustainable cities along the western coast. This initiative aligns perfectly with the agenda of fostering a zero-net-carbon and equitable transport ecosystem.
The Ro-Ro service offers a unique blend of convenience and environmental responsibility. Instead of driving the entire distance, which can be taxing and fuel-intensive, passengers can now travel comfortably in a dedicated coach while their cars are securely transported on the same train. The new halt at Nandgaon Road increases the accessibility of this service for a wider demographic of travellers, particularly those residing in and around the coastal regions of Maharashtra. The train from Kolad will now make a scheduled stop at Nandgaon Road, offering a flexible and user-friendly option for car owners. This expansion is a testament to the railway’s responsiveness to feedback, demonstrating a commitment to building a public service that truly serves the needs of the community.
The economic and environmental benefits of this service are significant. By taking cars off the road, the Ro-Ro service helps to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce highway wear and tear, and lower vehicular emissions. Each trip can accommodate up to 40 cars, which translates to a substantial reduction in the number of cars that would otherwise be on the road. The structured fare system, with a non-refundable registration fee and a flexible payment schedule, is designed to make the service accessible while ensuring operational viability. The pricing for the new Kolad to Nandgaon Road segment has been set to reflect the shorter distance, further tailoring the service to local needs. This multi-faceted approach of environmental, economic, and social responsibility is a hallmark of a modern, sustainable transport system.
The rules for the service, which mandate that neither drivers nor co-passengers remain in their vehicles during transit, ensure safety and operational efficiency. Passengers are required to travel in the attached 3AC or 2S coaches, promoting a shared-space model of travel that is integral to a gender-neutral and equitable transport system. The Konkan Railway’s clear and transparent booking process, with specified registration points for different routes and a publicly available website for terms and conditions, ensures that all potential users have equal access to information. This new halt is more than just a logistical update; it’s an expansion of a visionary service that is helping to pave the way for a greener, more convenient, and more interconnected future for coastal India.
