Vijaydurg’s maritime tradition is set for a revival as passenger boat services return after more than four decades, with the launch of a roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry service in early September. The service, linking Mumbai with Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, is expected to cut travel time between Mumbai and Konkan to just five and a half hours.
Preparations are underway at Vijaydurg port, a site rich in naval history, where infrastructure is being readied to accommodate the modern ferry. Authorities have confirmed that floating jetties and pontoons have been installed, while arrangements are being made for passengers of the inaugural journey. This marks the first time a passenger vessel will directly berth at Vijaydurg, a development that local officials describe as a milestone for the coastal region. The return of maritime connectivity is not just about transport—it carries immense economic and cultural significance. The service will allow passengers to travel with vehicles, offering a sustainable alternative to road journeys while reducing travel emissions. Experts believe this aligns with the broader vision of eco-friendly and zero-carbon mobility across Maharashtra.
For residents, the news evokes nostalgia. Passenger services at Vijaydurg were halted in 1983 when vessels such as Konkan Shakti and Konkan Sevak ceased operations. Those ships carried thousands between Mumbai and Vijaydurg but were unable to dock directly at the port, requiring smaller boats to ferry passengers ashore. The new Ro-Ro service will remove such inconveniences, bringing back maritime travel in a modern, efficient form. Officials point out that the service will not only support passenger mobility but also enable the transport of seasonal produce like mangoes, enhancing market access for farmers across Sindhudurg. Tourism operators anticipate a significant increase in footfall, particularly with Vijaydurg Fort—a former naval base of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj—standing as a magnet for history enthusiasts.
Local representatives have welcomed the move, noting that areas across Devgad, Vengurla, and Sawantwadi could also see economic benefits. The region’s economy, traditionally reliant on agriculture and fisheries, is expected to find new opportunities in heritage tourism and coastal trade. However, some voices have urged the government to ensure affordability. Officials have suggested that ticket prices should be designed to include middle-class families, thereby making the service inclusive and equitable. Ensuring pricing parity, they argue, would prevent the ferry from becoming an exclusive mode of travel for the affluent.
The ferry also represents a crucial step in decentralising travel between Mumbai and Konkan. By providing a faster maritime corridor, it reduces the dependency on congested road and rail routes, particularly during the festive and holiday seasons when traffic surges. As Vijaydurg prepares for the inaugural voyage, residents and officials alike view this revival as more than just transport infrastructure. It is a renewal of centuries-old maritime heritage, a sustainable mobility alternative, and a potential economic catalyst for one of Maharashtra’s most scenic but underutilised coastal belts.
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