Mumbai To Goa In Your Car, But On A Train; Konkan Railways Considering “Ro-Ro” Service For Private Vehicles

In a recent update, Konkan Railways is considering a new option for people driving to Goa from Mumbai. The railway authority may allow cars and SUVs to be ferried on train wagons, helping travellers avoid heavy highway traffic. This idea could be introduced as a trial during the upcoming Ganpati festival in the city. 

Ro-Ro Service From Mumbai To Goa

Do you often drive to Goa from Mumbai? Then this might be good news. Konkan Railway is exploring a plan to let private vehicles like cars and SUVs from Mumbai travel on train wagons. According to Mid-day, this would work similarly to their existing Ro-Ro (Roll-on Roll-off) service, which loads trucks directly onto train wagons using ramps. In that service, drivers and cleaners are also allowed to stay in the trucks throughout the journey. Ro-Ro service is currently operational only between Kolad and Mangalore for the trucks. Just like that, this service might now be available for private vehicles as well. Passengers would be allowed to remain in their cars while the train ferries them to Goa.

Also Read: Toll-Free Mumbai-Goa Highway Nears Completion, Promises 6-Hour Drive By June 2025 

Trials Likely To Happen During Ganpati Festival

The new service is being considered as an experiment during this year’s Ganpati festival. The aim is to ease travel by avoiding the long and often jammed Konkan highway route. In the Mid-day report, Santosh Kumar Jha, Chairman and Managing Director of Konkan Railway, called it a fabulous idea. He said trucks are already allowed on the tracks, and private vehicles could be considered too. However, he added that some technical adjustments might be needed.

The current set-up of the tracks is designed only for trucks, so they may need to rework certain aspects to accommodate cars. In addition to that, he also added that to facilitate this plan, they would need to realign the Old Goa and Pernem tunnels on the alternate routes. The Madgaon and Udupi stations have also been selected for the redevelopment, and the plan has been sent to the railway board for approval. 

Also Read: 6 Beaches To Visit On The Konkan Coast

If this trial works, travellers could soon enjoy a smoother journey to Goa, on a train, with their car. Fascinating, right? This might be able to ease the experience of the travellers who frequently travel to the state from Mumbai, as the Konkan highway often remains jammed and congested. Let us know what you think about this new development. 

Cover Image Courtesy: Konkan Railway/ Instagram