India’s First Ro-Ro Car Train Service Launched Between Maharashtra and Goa

India’s first Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) car rail service was launched by Konkan Railway on Saturday, just ahead of Ganeshotsav, offering travellers a unique way to journey with their own cars. The service combines the ease of rail travel with the freedom of having a personal vehicle at the destination, a concept already popular in Europe for crossing tunnels like the English Channel.

The inaugural run operated between Kolad in Maharashtra and Verna in Goa. On its first trip, five families travelled with five SUVs and cars, carrying a total of 19 passengers, including children. Passengers enjoyed a comfortable ride in the AC coach while their vehicles were safely transported on the train. This allows them to skip the long drive and traffic on the Mumbai-Goa highway, arriving in Goa ready to use their own cars.

The loading process at Kolad started in the afternoon and was completed in just 30 minutes, with the train departing at 3.40 pm. The service also stops at Nandgaon Road station in Sindhudurg district. Each vehicle is charged ₹7,875, while passengers in the attached 3AC coach pay ₹935 per person, with a maximum of three passengers per car.

Travellers appreciated the convenience and comfort, and some suggested expanding the service to stations closer to Mumbai, like Panvel, and adding more ramp stations in the Konkan region. Calls for online booking facilities were also made to simplify reservations.

With its smooth debut, the Ro-Ro car rail service offers a fresh, time-saving travel option for families heading to Goa and nearby destinations, combining comfort, flexibility, and a touch of adventure for the festive season.