Mumbai’s coastal transport network is set for a major transformation as the state government launches a new Roll-On Roll-Off (Ro-Ro) ferry service connecting the city with Konkan from 1 September. The initiative, which follows the successful Mumbai–Alibaug Ro-Ro route, is being positioned as a sustainable and time-efficient alternative to the gruelling road journey on the Mumbai–Goa highway, especially during peak festive traffic.
The new ferry link is expected to reduce the Mumbai–Jaigad trip to just three hours and the Mumbai–Vijaydurg leg to five hours, cutting travel time by more than half when compared with the conventional 10–12 hour road journey. Officials highlight that this will not only ease congestion on the highway but also make inter-city commuting more environmentally sustainable, with fewer emissions from vehicles otherwise caught in long traffic snarls. The Ro-Ro service comes with a multi-tier ticketing structure designed to cater to different budgets, ranging from ₹2,500 for economy seats to ₹9,000 for first class. Vehicle carriage is also part of the design, with space for 50 cars and 30 two-wheelers. The ability for passengers to bring their own vehicles is being seen as a major factor in encouraging families and frequent travellers to embrace the new mode of transport.
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Authorities have confirmed that all necessary approvals 147 in total were secured before the launch, underscoring a strong emphasis on compliance and safety. Experts associated with the project describe it as South Asia’s fastest Ro-Ro ferry, equipped with modern safety features and world-class operational standards. This is particularly significant given the increasing importance of reliable infrastructure in coastal cities that are vulnerable to extreme climate conditions.
For Mumbai and Konkan residents, the ferry is more than a convenience; it symbolises a shift towards sustainable mobility. Reduced dependence on road travel directly supports efforts to cut vehicular pollution and carbon emissions. Transport specialists suggest that if promoted effectively, Ro-Ro services can play a critical role in building eco-friendly connectivity models for India’s coastal regions, complementing existing rail and road systems.
