October 25, 2025: Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL) is set to expand its car Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) service to three additional stations — Sawantwadi Road, Ratnagiri, and Sangameshwar — by developing dedicated ramps and related infrastructure. The move aims to make the car ferry service a regular transport option, offering motorists a faster and safer alternative to driving on the congested Mumbai-Goa highway, especially during peak festive seasons like Ganeshotsav and Diwali.
The Ro-Ro service, which allows passengers to load their cars onto trains, was introduced during this year’s Ganesh festival and received an encouraging response. Following an assessment of the route, KRCL identified the three stations as suitable expansion points. The service initially operated between Kolad and Verna to reduce traffic and bypass pothole-ridden stretches of the highway. Encouraged by passenger feedback, KRCL later added Nandgaon Road to the route. The service’s maiden journey carried seven cars, and demand has grown since.
To support the expansion, KRCL has sought Rs 7,776 crore from the Railway Ministry for infrastructure upgrades, including track renewal, overhead equipment refurbishment, and asset replacement. The proposal is expected to receive approval by March 2026.
In addition to the Ro-Ro expansion, KRCL operated 381 Ganpati special trains this year, generating Rs 45 crore in revenue. The corporation has also repaid Rs 1,150 crore of its existing debt and aims to clear the remaining Rs 600 crore by the end of the current or next financial year.
KRCL officials stated that the expansion reflects rising demand and supports regional connectivity. The Ro-Ro service not only saves travel time but also reduces vehicle wear and fuel costs, enhancing convenience and efficiency for travellers.
Source: Prop News Time
