Key Points
- New Ro-Ro ferry service connects Mumbai to Konkan (Jaigad & Vijaydurg) starting September 1, 2025.
- Travel time slashed from 10-12 hours by road to just 3 hours for Jaigad and 5 hours for Vijaydurg.
- Bookings now open for the festive season, providing a major alternative to congested Mumbai-Goa highway traffic.
- Fares: Passengers start at ₹2,500; Cars at ₹6,000, Two-wheelers at ₹1,000.
- Future plans include adding more stops like Shrivardhan and extending the service all the way to Goa.
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has announced a landmark transportation solution just in time for the festive season. A new Ro-Ro (Roll-On, Roll-Off) ferry service will connect Mumbai’s Bhaucha Dhakka (Ferry Wharf) to Jaigad (Ratnagiri) and Vijaydurga (Sindhudurg) in the Konkan region, commencing operations on September 1, 2025.
This service is poised to be a game-changer, especially for the lakhs of people who travel to their native villages for festivals like Ganeshotsav and Holi, offering a scenic, fast, and stress-free alternative to the grueling road journey on the perpetually congested Mumbai-Goa highway.
Mumbai-Konkan Ro-Ro: All You Need to Know
The service will be operated by the M2M-1 vessel, hailed as South Asia’s fastest and largest Ro-Ro ferry.
- Route & Timings:
- Mumbai to Jaigad (Ratnagiri): 3 Hours
- Mumbai to Vijaydurg (Sindhudurg): 5 Hours
- Vessel Capacity:
- Passengers: 500+
- Four-Wheelers: 50 (including cars and mini-buses)
- Two-Wheelers: 30
Ticket Pricing Structure:
| Category | Fare |
|---|---|
| Passenger (Economy Class) | ₹2,500 |
| Passenger (Business Class) | ₹5,500 |
| Passenger (First Class) | ₹9,000 |
| Four-Wheeler (Car/SUV) | ₹6,000 |
| Two-Wheeler (Motorbike) | ₹1,000 |
| Bicycle | ₹600 |
A Game-Changer for Konkan Connectivity
Fisheries and Port Development Minister, Nitesh Rane, stated that the project has received all 147 necessary permits and adheres to world-class safety protocols.
“This is more than just a ferry; it’s a lifeline for the people of Konkan,” said Minister Rane. “It will not only cut travel time but also boost local tourism, create employment, and provide a reliable mode of transport, especially during medical emergencies.”
The ability for families to take their own vehicles on board provides crucial last-mile connectivity, allowing them to travel from the jetty to their homes seamlessly.
Building on the Mumbai-Alibaug Success Story
This new route is a logical expansion following the phenomenal success of the Mumbai-Mandwa (Alibaug) Ro-Ro service. Launched a few years ago, the Alibaug ferry slashed the 3-4 hour road journey to a pleasant one-hour sea voyage. It transformed weekend tourism to Alibaug, proving that a well-executed Ro-Ro service is a highly viable and popular model for coastal Maharashtra.
The Future is on Water: Expansion to Goa is the Ultimate Goal
Minister Nitesh Rane emphasized that this is just the beginning of a larger coastal transportation network.
- Phase 2 Expansion: Plans are already underway to add more strategic stops along the Konkan coast, including Shrivardhan and integrating the Mandwa route.
- The Grand Vision: The ultimate goal is to extend the service further south, creating a direct and comfortable Ro-Ro ferry link all the way to Goa. This would revolutionize Mumbai-Goa travel, offering a faster and more scenic alternative to road, rail, and air travel.
Latest Updates & Booking Information (8:40 PM IST)
- Bookings Live: Tickets can be booked online through the official M2M Ferries website and other partner travel portals.
- Inaugural Run: The first commercial run on September 1 is reportedly selling out fast due to high demand for the Ganeshotsav period.
- Onboard Amenities: The M2M vessel is equipped with air-conditioned lounges, a cafeteria serving snacks and beverages, and open-air decks for passengers to enjoy the sea view.
- Government Inauguration: The Chief Minister of Maharashtra is expected to officially inaugurate the service in a ceremony at Bhaucha Dhakka on August 31, 2025.
The Mumbai-Konkan Ro-Ro service marks a new era in coastal transport for Maharashtra. It promises not only convenience and time-saving for residents but also a significant boost to the region’s economy, setting the stage for an integrated water transport network that could one day connect Mumbai to Goa.
