Mumbai-Konkan Ro-Ro Ferry: New Vessel To Cut Journey Times By Half

Coastal ferry routes are fast emerging as a viable alternative to long, congested road journeys in India. Following the success of the Mumbai–Alibaug Roll-On, Roll-Off (Ro-Ro) service, the Maharashtra government is set to launch a new high-speed Ro-Ro ferry connecting Mumbai with the Konkan coast on 1 September.

Ports Minister Nitesh Rane announced on Tuesday that the service will operate between Bhaucha Dhakka (Ferry Wharf) in Mumbai and Jaigad in Ratnagiri and Vijaydurg in Sindhudurg. Travel times are expected to be reduced to 3–4 hours for Ratnagiri and 5–6 hours for Sindhudurg—cutting journey durations by more than half when compared to the usual 10–12 hour road trip via the Mumbai–Goa highway.

New Ferry To Cut Congestion And Travel Time

The new ferry aims to ease road congestion, particularly during major festivals, and provide a faster, more comfortable option for travellers and Konkan residents returning home. Touted as South Asia’s fastest Ro-Ro service, the initiative is part of a broader shift towards more sustainable and efficient coastal transport infrastructure.

The launch of the Mumbai–Konkan Ro-Ro ferry service, initially planned before Ganesh Chaturthi, was postponed due to unfavourable weather conditions, with passenger safety being prioritised. Speaking at a press conference at Mantralaya, Rane stated: “But 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. The Ro-Ro service will start in Mumbai from Bhau Cha Dhakka at 6.30am. After reaching Vijaydurg, it will start its return journey in two hours.”

At present, the journey to Ratnagiri takes approximately eight hours by road and six hours by train. With the introduction of the Ro-Ro ferry, travel time is expected to be cut by half, offering a faster and more efficient route for both daily commuters and holiday travellers.

According to Rane, the M2M Princess, the vessel designated for the Ro-Ro service, is recognised as the fastest passenger-and-vehicle ferry in South Asia. “The M2M Princess, a vessel for Ro-Ro service, travels fast and is the fastest passenger-cum-vehicle ferry in South Asia,” Rane stated.

Plans To Expand

Currently, only Jaigad and Vijaydurg are included in the first phase of the service. However, plans were also outlined to expand the network in future phases, with new jetties proposed at Shrivardhan, Mandwa, and other destinations along the Konkan coast.

It was also noted that the ferry will allow passengers to travel with two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and even buses, facilitating onward journeys from Jaigad or Vijaydurg ports. “It will reduce travel time to Konkan by half. People can travel with their two-wheeler, four-wheeler, or even bus for their further journey from Jaigad or Vijaydurg port,” he added.

(With inputs from various sources.)