Sail to Mumbai from Goa: RoPAX ferry to start 6 hour long scenic ferry service with your car onboard
M2M Ferries is gearing up to revolutionize travel between Mumbai and Goa by introducing a RoPAX ferry service that allows passengers to carry their cars on board. This proposed service, currently awaiting approvals from the Director General of Shipping and other agencies, promises to cut travel time to just 6.5 hours, offering a more convenient and scenic alternative to road and rail journeys.
A Game-Changer for Mumbai-Goa Travel
Imagine driving your car onto a ferry in Mumbai and driving off in Goa just a few hours later. M2M Ferries, known for its daily Ro-Ro services between Mumbai and Mandwa, is all set to make this vision a reality. The company has acquired a 15-year-old second-hand RoPAX vessel from Italy, now stationed in dry dock in Mumbai, and plans to launch the service from Ferry Wharf in Mazgaon to the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) in Goa. Talks are also underway with the Government of Goa to allow docking at a jetty in Panaji for better connectivity to key destinations like Panaji and Margao.
Fast and Convenient: 6.5-Hour Journey with Your Car
The RoPAX vessel, capable of carrying 620 passengers and 60 cars, promises to complete the Mumbai-Goa trip in just six and a half hours. This not only saves time but also offers the convenience of exploring Goa in your own vehicle. The fare structure is yet to be finalized, but the competitive Mumbai-Goa market hints at attractive pricing.
Awaiting Approvals and Potential Tax Concessions
M2M Ferries has submitted its application to the DG Shipping and is awaiting the green light to commence operations. Devika Saigal of M2M Ferries mentioned that the company is also seeking VAT subsidies on fuel and tax concessions from the central government to make the service more affordable.
Director General of Shipping, Shyam Jagannathan, confirmed that the application is under process, while Pradeep Sudhakar, Chief Ship Surveyor, noted that the initial documents have been cleared and are now with the Indian Register of Shipping.
A New Chapter in Maritime Transport
If approved, this RoPAX service would join the ranks of similar services like the Hazira-Ghogha route in Gujarat. Currently, Cordellia Cruises offers a luxury cruise experience between Mumbai and Goa, while the now-defunct Angriya cruise liner previously served the same route. M2M Ferries’ proposed RoPAX service is poised to offer a faster, more practical option for travelers seeking flexibility and comfort.
Expanding Horizons: Future Ro-Ro Services in Maharashtra
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) is enhancing coastal connectivity by constructing jetties for Ro-Ro services at Kashid, Revdanda, and Dighi in Raigad. Expected to be operational within 18 months, these jetties could pave the way for expanded Ro-Ro services, further boosting regional maritime travel.
Looking Forward
The proposed Mumbai-Goa RoPAX service by M2M Ferries could redefine travel on this popular route, offering a fast, comfortable, and flexible alternative. With the convenience of bringing your own car along for the ride, this new venture is likely to appeal to tourists and locals alike, making road trips to Goa more accessible than ever before.
