Mumbai: Traveling from Mumbai to the scenic Konkan region is set to become significantly faster with the launch of a new Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry service. The service, which will be the second of its kind in Maharashtra after the successful Mumbai-Alibaug route, is expected to commence operations on September 1. This new sea route will drastically cut travel time, reducing the journey from Mumbai to Jaigad in Ratnagiri to just 3-4 hours and to Vijaydurg in Sindhudurg to 5-6 hours, a fraction of the 10-12 hours it typically takes by road.
Ports Minister Nitesh Rane announced the service, calling it a “new link connecting Mumbai and Konkan by sea.” He noted that the project, which was initially planned to start before Ganesh Chaturthi, was postponed to ensure passenger safety due to unfavorable weather conditions. “As per the meteorological department reports, the weather conditions are now improving. We will conduct a test run over the next five days and commence the commercial service on September 1,” Rane said in a press conference. The ferry is scheduled to depart from Bhau Cha Dhakka in Mumbai at 6:30 a.m.
Ro-Ro Ferry: Key Features and Pricing
The Ro-Ro ferry, operated by the vessel M2M Princess, is being touted as the fastest passenger-cum-vehicle ferry in South Asia, capable of traveling at 25 knots. It is a dual-purpose vessel, designed to carry both passengers and their vehicles.
Passenger Fares: The ferry offers four classes of travel to cater to different budgets:
- Economy Class: ₹2,500 per person
- Premium Economy: ₹4,000 per person
- Business Class: ₹7,500 per person
- First Class: ₹9,000 per person
Vehicle Fares: Passengers can bring their vehicles for an additional fee, ensuring seamless onward travel at their destination:
- Car: ₹6,000
- Two-wheeler: ₹1,000
- Bicycle: ₹600
- The ferry has the capacity to carry 50 four-wheelers and 30 two-wheelers.
The successful launch of the Mumbai-Alibaug Ro-Ro service in March 2020 served as a model for this new, more ambitious route. While the initial phase will connect only Jaigad and Vijaydurg, the government has plans to expand the service to other Konkan destinations like Shrivardhan and Mandwa, further enhancing coastal connectivity and boosting tourism in the region.