Konkan Railway Launches Car Ferry Train Service Amid Festival Rush
The Konkan Railway is preparing to introduce India’s first-ever car ferry train service, connecting Maharashtra and Goa. This innovative offering, strategically timed to alleviate congestion during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, will enable private vehicle owners to transport their cars by rail while they journey comfortably in attached passenger coaches. The service promises a significantly faster, safer, and more eco-friendly alternative to the often arduous and traffic-laden road trip between the two states, marking a pivotal step towards integrated green mobility solutions.
The new service is expected to operate between Kolad in Maharashtra and Verna in Goa, a vital corridor that typically demands a 20 to 22-hour road journey. By leveraging the efficiency of rail, the same distance will be covered in approximately 12 hours, offering substantial relief to travellers, particularly during peak festive and holiday seasons. Trains are scheduled to depart Kolad at 5 PM, arriving in Verna by 5 AM the following morning. To facilitate smooth operations, passengers will be required to report at Kolad station at least three hours prior to departure for necessary vehicle loading and boarding formalities.
Each dedicated train will comprise 20 specially designed wagons, with each wagon capable of securely accommodating two vehicles, thus providing a total capacity of 40 cars per trip. Operational viability for any given journey is contingent on a minimum booking of 16 vehicles, ensuring efficient resource utilisation. The freight charge for transporting a single car is set at ₹7,875 for a one-way trip. Stringent safety protocols will be enforced, including securely fastening all vehicles with belts and engaging handbrakes. Crucially, no passengers will be permitted to remain inside their cars while the train is in transit, prioritising safety above all else.
Passengers accompanying their vehicles will be comfortably accommodated in attached coaches, with a maximum of three individuals permitted per vehicle booking. Two passengers can opt for the air-conditioned 3AC coach at a fare of ₹935 per person, while an additional passenger can travel in the second-class SLR (Seating-cum-Luggage Rake) coach for ₹190. This thoughtful arrangement ensures both the safety of travellers and the convenience of having their personal vehicle readily available upon arrival, thereby enhancing the overall travel experience and promoting accessible, gender-neutral transportation options.
This groundbreaking initiative by Konkan Railway marks a significant advancement in Indian railway operations, seamlessly integrating private vehicle transport with passenger convenience. By mitigating the fatigue of long-distance driving and reducing carbon emissions associated with extensive road travel, this service contributes directly to the vision of zero net carbon, sustainable cities. Once fully operational, it is poised to become a preferred option for vacationers and festival travellers, revolutionising inter-state mobility and setting a new benchmark for multimodal transport solutions across the nation.
