Mumbai: The Konkan Railway on Monday announced that it would operate special roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) train services between Kolad in Maharashtra and Verna in Goa from 23 August to 11 September, to cater to private car owners during the upcoming Ganpati festival.

First-time Ro-Ro service for private cars

While Konkan Railway pioneered the Ro-Ro concept for trucks in India back in 1999, officials stated that this is the first time the service is being operated for private cars.

According to a release issued by the railway body, the specially designed rake for the car service, commencing on 23 August from Kolad and on 24 August from Verna, can accommodate 40 cars per trip, with two cars loaded on each of the 20 wagons.

Fare structure and passenger travel options

“The owners will have to shell out Rs 7,875 inclusive of GST for transporting their car using Ro-Ro. They will have to pay Rs 4,000 initially at the time of booking, and the balance on the day of the journey,” the release stated.

A maximum of three persons per car will be allowed to travel in the attached 3AC or second seating coach. For this, each individual will have to pay the prescribed fare:

  • Rs 935 for 3AC
  • Rs 190 for second seating coach

Booking details and cancellation clause

Bookings for the service will be open from 21 July to 13 August. Those wishing to avail the facility can make reservations at KR’s Belapur or Verna-based offices, with flexible payment options including UPI and cash, the release noted.

“In the event of insufficient bookings (fewer than 16 cars), the trip will be cancelled and registration fees will be fully refunded,” the statement added.

Travel timings and reporting requirements

The service will run end-to-end between Kolad and Verna, with departures scheduled at 5 pm and arrivals at 5 am the following day. Car owners are required to report at the starting point by 2 pm, which is approximately three hours prior to the departure time.

Earlier assurance from KR chairman

On 3 June, KR Chairman and Managing Director Santosh Kumar Jha had assured the public that the railway would explore the possibility of launching a Ro-Ro service for private cars during the Ganapati festival, provided there was sufficient demand.

Festive travel demand and poor road conditions

The Ganapati festival, among the most significant in the Konkan region, sees lakhs of people travelling from Mumbai and other parts of the state using various transport modes. However, many car users face hardship due to the poor condition of the national highway, further justifying the introduction of this new service.

PTI inputs