Mumbai to Goa, via sea: 15 hrs aboard Angriya

The final approval to operate Mumbai-Goa passenger ship services is in and the ship started its sea trial on Wednesday evening.

The sea trial involves sailing the ship from Mumbai to Goa and back. On Wednesday, the sea trial commenced at 5 pm, off the spruced up Domestic Cruise Terminal near Ferry Wharf. The ship is likely to return to Mumbai either on Friday or Sunday depending upon the weather situation generated by the cyclonic storm ‘Mekunu’ in the Arabian Sea.

The vessel, Angriya, will start its sail at 5 pm from Mumbai and take 15 hours to reach Panaji in Goa. 

Similar will be the schedule to sail from Goa to Mumbai. The ship, which can accommodate 400 people, will be operated on alternate days from either port.

“The Directorate General of Shipping has giving its final nod to commence revenue service between Mumbai and Goa. Attempt is being made to have a couple of revenue services between Mumbai-Goa just before monsoon. However, if the weather does not permit, the sailings will mostly start after the monsoon season,” said Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman of Mumbai Port Trust.

During foul weather the ship will be berthed at the Domestic Cruise Terminal to double up as a floatel for public spend time and dine.

The intermediate halts of the journey are likely to be at Dighi (Raigad), Dhabol and Jaigad (Ratnagiri), Vijaydurg and Malvan (Sindhudurg) and finally, Panaji.

According to a source, there are seven categories of accommodation available onboard, starting from Rs 7,000. There are five-star facilities onboard and the fare will include two meals and brunch.

The initial plan involves sailing up to Goa, then, depending on passenger demand, the voyage may even get extended till Cochin.