Verna Offers New Eco-Carriage Route Linking Maharashtra to South Goa
In a move aimed at easing road congestion and promoting eco-conscious travel, Verna in South Goa is now home to a new car-carrying rail route connecting Kolad in Maharashtra. The Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) has launched its Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) car transport service for private vehicles along this scenic but challenging route. Starting August 23, 2025, the service gives car owners an efficient, low-emission alternative to long drives through the Western Ghats, reducing both fuel usage and traffic on the busy Mumbai-Goa highway.
Operating on alternate days, the Ro-Ro service can accommodate up to 40 cars per trip. Trains depart from both Verna and Kolad at 5:00 PM and arrive at their destination by 5:00 AM the following day. Passengers must report at the departure station by 2:00 PM. The ₹7,875 freight charge (inclusive of GST) includes a secure car slot, while passengers can ride in attached coaches, choosing between air-conditioned 3AC seating for ₹935 or second seating at ₹190 per person. This move introduces a new dynamic to regional tourism by allowing passengers to travel overnight and continue their journey with their own vehicles. Bookings for this novel service open on July 21 and close on August 13. To confirm their slot, travellers must first pay a booking amount of ₹4,000 and complete the balance on the day of travel. Tickets can be purchased either from KRCL’s Belapur office in Navi Mumbai or directly at Verna Railway Station.
KRCL has also implemented a minimum vehicle threshold—each trip requires a minimum of 16 cars; otherwise, it will be cancelled and refunds issued. The limited-run pilot programme will operate till September 11, giving officials time to assess demand before considering expansion. Transport experts and civic officials are viewing the service as a model for sustainable regional transit. By diverting private vehicles from highways to rail, KRCL’s strategy directly reduces traffic-related emissions and enhances road safety on stretches that are often accident-prone due to poor lighting and sharp curves. Additionally, the service reduces wear and tear on personal vehicles while conserving fuel—a key advantage amid rising petrol costs. Environmental campaigners have welcomed the shift, noting that long-term implementation could support India’s larger climate-resilience goals.
As Goa’s tourism sector braces for festive footfall later this year, the Ro-Ro initiative offers timely relief for both residents and travellers. It introduces a hybrid form of travel that merges comfort, speed, and environmental responsibility. If successful, it could inspire similar rail-based car mobility corridors across other states in India. The project may also act as a catalyst for integrating multi-modal transport networks under national schemes like Gati Shakti, which aim to optimise freight and passenger movement through interlinked infrastructure.
