Mumbai to Konkan in 6 Hours? Ro-Ro Ferry Project Back on Track

Authorities float tenders for trial run; launch expected in April if plan succeeds.

A sea journey to the Konkan coast from Mumbai may soon become much faster and easier than the usual road trip. A proposed Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry service connecting the city to Vijaydurg in Sindhudurg district is expected to cut travel time nearly in half and provide a convenient sea route for regular travellers.

The project is being led by the Maharashtra Maritime Board. It was originally planned to start in August 2025, but technical issues delayed the launch despite preparations at both terminals.

The plan has now moved forward again. Authorities have issued tenders to appoint an operator who will run the ferry on a one-month trial. The selection process is expected to finish by March 2026, and services may begin in April 2026. If the trial is successful, the ferry will become a permanent transport option.

At present, travelling by road from Mumbai to Sindhudurg takes around 10–12 hours and can be longer during holidays and peak traffic periods. The ferry aims to reduce this journey to about six hours, making travel faster and more comfortable.

The service will depart from Bhaucha Dhakka in Mumbai and sail directly to Vijaydurg along the Konkan coast. Infrastructure work is already underway. The jetty at Vijaydurg has been upgraded to handle Ro-Ro vessels, and facilities have also been prepared at the Mumbai terminal.

Ticket prices and the final schedule have not yet been announced. Earlier estimates suggested fares of around ₹6,000 for cars and about ₹1,000 for two-wheelers, though these may change before the official launch.

Once operational, the ferry is expected to improve connectivity between Mumbai and the Konkan region, support tourism, and help local businesses. For now, all eyes are on the tender process, which will decide how soon this long-planned sea link becomes a reality.