The Mumbai–Vijaydurg Ro-Pax maritime service was inaugurated on Sunday, aimed at improving travel and trade connectivity between Mumbai and the Konkan region. The first journey of the service was flagged off by Maharashtra Minister for Fisheries and Ports Development Nitesh Rane.
The inaugural voyage received an enthusiastic response from passengers and tourists. Pramod Dhuri, a well-known Bhajan singer from Konkan, performed traditional rituals and devotional songs as the vessel departed from Mumbai, creating a spiritual atmosphere on board.
The service, considered part of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ broader infrastructure and maritime development plan, is expected to save passengers both time and travel costs. Rane highlighted that the service will strengthen the link between Mumbai and the Konkan coast, offering a reliable alternative to road transport.
The Ro-Pax vessel can carry around 625 passengers along with 40 four-wheelers and 25 two-wheelers per trip. It is equipped with modern navigation systems, safety equipment, and comfortable seating. The journey from Mumbai to Vijaydurg is expected to take six to seven hours, making it significantly faster than existing road routes.
Officials said the service is likely to provide a boost to tourism, local trade, fisheries, and small industries along the Konkan coast. It is also expected to benefit Mumbai-based residents who travel frequently to the region.
The launch of the Ro-Pax service comes as part of Maharashtra’s wider efforts to enhance maritime transport and regional connectivity, positioning the state as a leader in coastal infrastructure development.
Mumbai water metro likely to roll out from December: Minister Nitesh Rane
The Mumbai Water Metro project, which aims to introduce battery-powered ferries to ease traffic congestion in the metropolis and surrounding areas, is expected to roll out in phases starting in December, Maharashtra Ports Minister Nitesh Rane said last month.
The state government has proposed six to eight routes in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to be connected through a network of electric-powered boats under the water taxi project, estimated to cost Rs 1,200 crore, according to the minister.
“We have decided to start with Mumbai city and then expand to the wider MMR, which includes adjoining districts,” Rane said.
Water metro services within Mumbai city will focus on Nariman Point–Worli–Bandra–Juhu–Versova routes, he added, noting, “We plan to take up two routes in the first phase.”
