City can expect Ro-Ro service by April 2018

The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has given the letter of award for a Ro-Ro service from Ferry Wharf (Navin Bhaucha Dhakka) to Mandwa in Raigad district to Maldar Dredgers and Salvagers. The company will be starting the first Ro-Ro service from Mumbai in April 2018.

Roll-On and Roll-Off (Ro-Ro) ships are vessels designed to carry wheeled cargo such as cars, trucks, trailers so that such vehicles can travel across seas. With the Ro-Ro service coming to the city, Mumbaikars who are natives of Konkan areas will be able to save over three hours of travel time and reach Mandwa in a mere 30 minutes. It will also reduce travel time to Goa since motorists can travel by sea till Mandwa and proceed by road to Goa.

MMB, Mumbai Port Trust (MPT) and City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) are jointly implementing the project. The Ro-Ro service is expected to decongest the otherwise busy Mumbai-Goa Highway.

According to MMB CEO Atul Patne, the Ro-Ro service will provide a fillip to Konkan tourism. Patne said that the work is expected to be complete by March 2018 so that the service can begin in April 2018.