Konkan Railway Launches Ro-Ro Service For Cars Between Maharashtra And Goa

Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) is set to roll out a Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) service for car owners from 23 August. The new service will connect Kolad in Maharashtra with Verna in Goa, as per an Indian Express report.

KRCL, which pioneered the Ro-Ro model for freight trucks in India back in 1999, is now extending the same concept to motor cars. The service is designed to run on alternate days from both locations until 11 September.

Departures are scheduled for 5 PM from either Kolad or Verna, with the journey concluding at 5 AM the following morning. Passengers, however, must report by 2 PM for boarding formalities.

The specially designed rake will accommodate up to 40 cars — two per wagon across 20 wagons. The cost per vehicle has been fixed at Rs 7,875 (inclusive of GST). At the time of booking, car owners must pay Rs 4,000, with the balance payable on the day of travel.

Bookings are open from 21 July and will close on 13 August. The service is subject to a minimum of 16 bookings per trip. In case of fewer reservations, KRCL will cancel the departure and offer full refunds.

“KRCL has decided to start this Ro-Ro to mitigate road congestion, fuel guzzling and vehicle emissions on the Konkan corridor. By extending this model to automobiles, KRCL seeks to offer a safer and more economic mode of transport for long-distance commuters,” a KRCL official was quoted as saying.

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