Mumbai Goa Car Ferry Train to Launch August 23 Promising Easier Travel
Mumbai to Goa road trips, often a test of patience due to heavy traffic and long hours, are set to be transformed with the launch of India’s first dedicated motorail service. Konkan Railway has announced that its new car-ferry train will begin operations from August 23, just in time for the Ganesh Chaturthi festive season. This innovative service promises to cut door-to-door travel time between Kolad in Maharashtra and Verna in Goa from nearly 20 hours to just 12, allowing travelers to relax in air-conditioned coaches while their cars travel securely alongside.
The unique service will see trains depart from Kolad daily at 5 PM, arriving in Verna at 5 AM the following day. To load vehicles, travelers must check in by 2 PM. Each train can carry up to 40 cars, which are securely strapped onto 20 custom-built wagons, with handbrakes engaged. Passengers are not permitted to stay inside their vehicles during transit; instead, they can book two 3AC seats for ₹935 each, with an optional third seat in the guard coach for ₹190. The freight charge for transporting a car is ₹7,875 one way.
This pilot phase, crucial for assessing demand, will only operate if a minimum of 16 cars are booked per trip. Konkan Railway is no stranger to transporting vehicles, having successfully run Ro-Ro (roll-on, roll-off) services for trucks for over two decades. The success of these operations, coupled with increasing demand for private vehicle transport, led to the development of this passenger-car service. While a similar motorail service in the 1990s between Delhi and Bangalore was discontinued due to low demand, officials are optimistic given Kolad’s proximity to Mumbai and Goa’s enduring popularity.
This car-ferry offers a comfortable alternative for those who wish to have their personal vehicle in Goa without enduring the arduous drive. It appeals to senior citizens, classic car enthusiasts, EV owners concerned about charging infrastructure, and even tour operators planning special packages. While challenges exist, such as potential queues at Kolad and early morning arrivals in Verna, the service aims to redefine Mumbai-Goa travel by prioritizing comfort and convenience, with potential future expansions to other routes.
