Ro Ro Ferry Mumbai to Konkan is finally becoming a reality from September 1, bringing a major relief to thousands of travelers who frequently commute between Mumbai and the Konkan region. This long-awaited project promises to reduce travel time drastically, offer cost-effective fares, and open a new chapter for tourism and cultural exchange in Maharashtra.
For decades, people traveling from Mumbai to Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, and other parts of Konkan have relied on long road journeys or expensive flights. But now, with the launch of the M2M Princess Ro Ro Ferry, travel will be faster, cheaper, and much more comfortable.
Why Ro Ro Ferry Mumbai to Konkan is a Big Deal
The Konkan belt is one of the most beautiful coastal stretches of Maharashtra, famous for its lush greenery, pristine beaches, historic forts, Alphonso mangoes, and vibrant festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi. Every year, lakhs of people from Konkan who live in Mumbai travel back to their hometowns during festive seasons. Until now, this journey used to take 10–12 hours by road, often longer during traffic jams or monsoon season.
But with the Ro Ro Ferry Mumbai to Konkan, the same trip can now be done in just 3 to 5.5 hours depending on the destination. This is nothing short of revolutionary for locals, tourists, and even businesses that rely on quick transportation of goods and vehicles.
Routes and Travel Duration
Initially, the ferry will connect Mumbai with two key destinations in Konkan:
- Jaigarh (Ratnagiri District) – Travel time: 3 to 3.5 hours
- Vijaydurg (Sindhudurg District) – Travel time: 5 to 5.5 hours
The ferry service will begin from Bhau Cha Dhakka Terminal in Mumbai, one of the city’s oldest and busiest jetties. Future expansion plans include connecting Shrivardhan and Mandwa to further boost Konkan tourism.
Seating Capacity and Vehicle Transport
The M2M Princess ferry is not just for passengers but also for vehicles, making it a true Roll-On/Roll-Off (Ro Ro) service.
- Passenger Capacity: 656 travelers at a time
- Vehicles: 50 four-wheelers + 30 two-wheelers
- Others: Even bicycles, mini-buses, and full-sized buses can be carried onboard
This makes it convenient for families, groups, and businesses to take their own transport along without worrying about long highway drives.
Ticket Prices for Ro Ro Ferry Mumbai to Konkan
One of the biggest attractions of this ferry service is its affordable pricing, almost equivalent to or even cheaper than a Goa flight ticket.
Here’s the complete fare chart:
| Category | Fare (₹) |
|---|---|
| Economy Class | 2,500 |
| Premium Economy | 4,000 |
| Business Class | 7,500 |
| First Class | 9,000 |
| Vehicles | |
| Car | 6,000 |
| Bike | 1,000 |
| Bicycle | 600 |
| Mini Bus | 13,000 |
| 30-Seater Bus | 14,500 |
| 45-Seater Bus | 17,000 |
| Large Bus | 21,000 |
This fare structure ensures options for every type of traveler, whether budget-conscious students or premium passengers seeking luxury.
Special Facilities for Passengers
Unlike road travel, the Ro Ro Ferry Mumbai to Konkan offers a more comfortable and enjoyable journey:
- Spacious seating arrangements
- Multiple travel classes (Economy to First Class)
- Space to walk around during the voyage
- Onboard refreshment counters
- Vehicle safety during transport
- Restrooms and lounge areas
Such facilities make it far superior to a long and tiring road trip.
A Festival Gift for Konkan Residents
The timing of this launch couldn’t have been better. Konkan residents living in Mumbai make mass journeys during Ganesh Chaturthi, Holi, and other festivals. The new ferry service will allow them to travel faster, carry their vehicles, and avoid the struggle of highway congestion.
Although the service was initially scheduled to start before Ganesh Chaturthi, bad weather delayed the launch. Now, with weather conditions improving, the official start date has been fixed for September 1.
A Comeback After 30 Years
Interestingly, this is not the first time Konkan has seen a Ro Ro ferry service. Almost 30 years ago, a similar service existed but was discontinued due to technical and regulatory challenges.
This new project has received 147 clearances, including approvals from the Directorate General of Shipping and the Mumbai Port Trust. After three decades, Konkan is finally reconnecting with the sea route in a modern, more advanced way.
Connection to Local Transport
For passengers arriving at Jaigarh jetty, which is located around 40 km from Ratnagiri city, the government is planning to run 4–5 buses for last-mile connectivity. In the near future, efforts are being made to extend the jetty directly to Ratnagiri terminal for even more convenience.
This shows that the government is not only focusing on the ferry but also on building supporting infrastructure for seamless travel.
Economic and Tourism Boost
The Ro Ro Ferry Mumbai to Konkan is not just about saving time and money—it is a potential game-changer for the Konkan economy.
- Tourism Growth – With quicker access, more tourists from Mumbai and Pune are likely to explore Konkan beaches, forts, and cultural sites.
- Employment Opportunities – More tourism means more jobs in hotels, homestays, transport, and local businesses.
- Boost to Trade – Transporting vehicles and goods faster will help local industries like Alphonso mango exports, fisheries, and handicrafts.
- Fuel and Cost Savings – Reduced dependence on long-distance trucking and highway transport.
Future Expansion Plans
The state government has ambitious plans for the Ro Ro network in Maharashtra. Beyond Jaigarh and Vijaydurg, the ferry service may expand to:
- Shrivardhan – Famous for its serene beaches
- Mandwa – Already popular due to its ferry link with Mumbai
- Other Konkan Ports – To create a full-fledged coastal transport chain
If implemented successfully, Konkan could become one of the most well-connected coastal belts in India.
Also read: Abu Dhabi Tourism for First-Time Visitors: Everything You Need to Know
Travel Tips for Passengers
If you’re planning to use the Ro Ro Ferry Mumbai to Konkan, here are some tips:
- Book Early During Festivals: Tickets will sell out quickly during Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, and New Year holidays.
- Arrive Early: Vehicles need to be checked in and loaded onto the ferry before departure.
- Carry Essentials: While ferries have facilities, it’s better to carry water, snacks, and medicines.
- Enjoy the Journey: Don’t just see it as transport—enjoy the Arabian Sea views and the cool breeze.
Also read: Mumbai to Konkan Ro Ro Ferry Ticket Price, Timings and Complete Travel Details
Conclusion
The launch of the Ro Ro Ferry Mumbai to Konkan marks a new era of connectivity between Mumbai and Maharashtra’s most scenic coastal region. For daily commuters, festival travelers, tourists, and businesses, this service promises faster travel, affordable pricing, and better convenience.
With its mix of modern infrastructure, comfortable facilities, and economic potential, the ferry is not just a transport service—it’s a lifeline that reconnects Konkan to Mumbai after three decades.
As it sets sail from Bhau Cha Dhakka Terminal on September 1, the excitement among Konkan residents and Mumbai travelers is palpable. This initiative is expected to become a model for similar projects across India’s vast coastline.
