Konkan Railway's Car Ferry Train To Goa Set To Launch August 23: All You Need To Know

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Konkan Railway is set to introduce a special car ferry train service between Mumbai and Goa, starting August 23-just in time for the Ganeshotsav rush. The service is designed to offer a quicker, safer, and more comfortable alternative to the long road journey.

The route will run between Kolad in Maharashtra and Verna in Goa, covering the distance in approximately 12 hours-significantly reducing the typical 20-22-hour road travel time.

New Travel Option for Holiday-Goers

This unique train will allow private car owners to travel along with their vehicles. Each train will be able to carry up to 40 cars, with freight charges set at ₹7,875 per car for one-way travel. To ensure safety during the journey, cars will be securely fastened using belts, and drivers will be required to engage handbrakes. Importantly, passengers will not be allowed to stay inside their vehicles during transit.

Instead, passengers will travel in attached passenger coaches. A maximum of three people per car will be permitted-two in the air-conditioned 3AC coach (fare ₹935) and one in the second-class SLR (Seating-cum-Luggage Rake) coach (fare ₹190).

Trains will depart from Kolad in the evening and arrive in Verna by the next morning. Passengers must report by around 2 PM, at least three hours before departure.

The train will consist of 20 specially modified wagons, with each wagon designed to carry two cars. However, officials have clarified that the service will only be operational if a minimum of 16 cars are booked for a particular trip.

Officials say this service is especially aimed at easing the travel burden during peak festive periods like Ganesh Chaturthi, providing an efficient alternative for vacationers heading to Goa.