High-Speed Ro-Ro Ferry to Facilitate Faster and Safer Travel to Konkan; Service Starts This Ganeshotsav
Relief for festive travelers and a boost for tourism as Ro-Ro service promises quick, comfortable Mumbai to Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg connectivity
Mumbai: In a major relief for Konkan-bound travelers during the Ganeshotsav season, the Maharashtra government is all set to launch a high-speed roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry service between Mumbai and the coastal districts of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. The initiative, driven by Maharashtra Ports and Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane, aims to revolutionize travel to Konkan by significantly cutting down journey times and reducing the burden on road and rail infrastructure.
Travel Time Slashed
The new Ro-Ro vessel will dramatically reduce travel time between Mumbai and the Konkan region. The vessel, equipped with advanced maritime technology, will cruise at 24 nautical miles per hour, enabling passengers to reach Ratnagiri in just 3 to 3.5 hours. Travel to destinations further down the coast, such as Malvan and Vijaydurg in Sindhudurg district, will take around 4.5 hours.
This is a huge leap from the current road journey, which can take 10-12 hours due to poor road conditions, traffic congestion, and delays on the under-construction NH-66 (Mumbai-Goa highway).
Massive Capacity and Comfort
The ₹55 crore vessel recently purchased by M2M Ferries—named Princess—can accommodate 620 people, including 500 passengers and 150 vehicles comprising private cars, two-wheelers, and buses. This allows travelers to carry their personal vehicles and skip the fatigue, fuel expenses, and inconvenience of the traditional road trip.
M2M Ferries, which already operates the successful Ferry Wharf to Mandwa Ro-Ro service, will also manage this new Konkan route. The company currently ferries 6 lakh passengers and 1 lakh vehicles annually with an impressive 99.5% punctuality record.
All-Weather Operation
One of the standout features of the vessel is its weather-resilient design. Unlike smaller ferries or traditional boats, this Ro-Ro ferry is built to function even during the monsoon, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity throughout the year.
A Long-Awaited Solution for Konkan Travelers
For years, Konkan residents and Mumbai-based workers returning home during festivals have struggled with the deplorable condition of the Mumbai-Goa highway, massive traffic snarls, and unavailability of train tickets. The new ferry service is expected to ease the strain on roads and railways, offering a faster, more comfortable, and cost-effective alternative.
Minister Nitesh Rane, who has taken the lead in pushing this project forward, stated that affordable pricing will be ensured for the service. Fares will vary based on passenger class and type of vehicle—be it cars, SUVs, or minibuses.
माझगाव (मुंबई) -रत्नागिरी-सिंधुदुर्ग रो-रो सेवा लवकरच…
— Nitesh Rane (@NiteshNRane) July 18, 2025
विधानपरिषद । १८ जुलै २०२५#विधानभवन #विधानपरिषद #पावसाळी_अधिवेशन२०२५ pic.twitter.com/tVZIBPqPG7
A Revival After Six Decades
The move also marks a historic revival of coastal water transport between Mumbai and Konkan, which had largely ceased after 1964. Experts believe that this modern waterway service will boost tourism and local economies in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg by making them more accessible to domestic and international tourists alike.
Looking Ahead
With daily operations expected to begin soon, the Ro-Ro service is poised to transform travel during Ganeshotsav, bringing joy to thousands of Mumbaikars and giving a fresh push to regional development in the Konkan belt.
