Advertisement
Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL) is set to extend its car Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) service along the Mumbai-Konkan route by introducing dedicated ramps and infrastructure at Sawantwadi Road, Ratnagiri, and Sangameshwar stations. The service, first launched this year, has been well-received by motorists seeking a faster alternative to the congested Mumbai-Goa highway. KRCL plans to enhance operational efficiency through infrastructure upgrades and aims to make the service a regular option during festivals and peak travel periods, while also managing its debt and strengthening finances.
Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL) is expanding its car Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) service on the Mumbai-Konkan route by building dedicated ramps and supporting infrastructure at Sawantwadi Road, Ratnagiri, and Sangameshwar stations. The expansion is intended to make the car ferry service a regular feature, providing motorists with a convenient, faster, and safer alternative to driving long distances on the heavily congested Mumbai-Goa highway, particularly during festivals such as Ganeshotsav and Diwali. Advertisement
The Ro-Ro service, which allows passengers to transport their personal cars by train, was first introduced during this year's Ganesh festival and received strong passenger interest. After a detailed assessment of stations along the route, KRCL identified Sawantwadi Road, Ratnagiri, and Sangameshwar as ideal locations for ramp construction and other facilities. Initially, the service ran between Kolad and Verna to ease traffic and avoid the pothole-heavy sections of the highway. Positive feedback from passengers encouraged KRCL to later extend the service to include Nandgaon Road station. On its maiden run, the service ferried seven cars, and the demand has continued to grow steadily.
To support the expansion, KRCL has sought INR 7,776 crore from the Railway Ministry for comprehensive infrastructure upgrades. This includes track replacement, refurbishment of overhead equipment, and renewal of ageing assets. The proposal is expected to be approved by March 2026. In addition to the Ro-Ro expansion, KRCL operated 381 Ganpati special trains this year, generating INR 45 crore in revenue. The corporation has also repaid INR 1,150 crore of its existing debt, with plans to clear the remaining INR 600 crore by the end of the current financial year or early next year, moving towards a debt-free status.
KRCL officials noted that the service expansion reflects growing interest in this mode of transport and aligns with efforts to improve regional connectivity. By providing an alternative to long highway journeys, the Ro-Ro service not only saves travel time but also reduces vehicle wear and fuel costs for passengers. The corporation expects the new stations to further strengthen the network, meet rising passenger demand, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
