Mumbai-Goa Ferry Service Set To Allow Passengers To Bring Cars Along

In an exciting development for travellers, M2M Ferries plans to introduce a new ferry service from Mumbai to Goa, allowing passengers to bring their cars along, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report. The company has purchased a RoPAX vessel, which is designed to carry both people and vehicles. They are currently working to obtain the necessary approvals for this service.

M2M Ferries already operates a daily roll-on, roll-off service between Mumbai and Mandwa, which serves as a gateway to the popular holiday destination of Alibag in Raigad district. The new RoPAX vessel is expected to complete the Mumbai-Goa journey in approximately six and a half hours.

Photo Credit: PTI

According to an official from M2M Ferries, the company has acquired a second-hand vessel from Italy, which is currently undergoing maintenance in Mumbai and is set to be ready by next month. The company has applied for permission from the Director General of Shipping and other relevant agencies.

The proposed service will run from Ferry Wharf in Mazgaon, Mumbai, to the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) in Goa. M2M Ferries is also in discussions with the Government of Goa to allow the vessel to dock at a jetty in Panaji, as MPA is located near Vasco, which is some distance from Panaji and Margao.

The RoPAX vessel can accommodate up to 620 passengers and 60 cars, although the fare structure has yet to be finalised. Devika Saigal from M2M Ferries expressed hopes that the central government might provide subsidies on fuel VAT and tax concessions to support the new service.

As per the same report, Shyam Jagannathan, the Director General of Shipping, confirmed that M2M Ferries' application is under processing. Pradeep Sudhakar, chiefship surveyor at the Director General of Shipping's office, noted that the submitted papers have been cleared and are currently with the Indian Register of Shipping.

This proposed service is not the first of its kind in India. A similar ferry operates between Hazira and Ghogha in Gujarat, and M2M Ferries also runs several short services between Ferry Wharf and Mandwa. Currently, Cordelia Cruises operates a luxury cruise liner on the Mumbai-Goa route, while the Angriya cruise liner ceased operations during the Covid-19 pandemic. In the past, Damania Shipping offered hovercraft services between Ferry Wharf and Panaji.

In addition, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) is constructing jetties for Ro-Ro services at Kashid, Revdanda, and Dighi along the Raigad coast, which are expected to be completed in about 18 months. MMB Chief Executive Officer Pradeep P mentioned that the Ro-Ro operator has a second vessel and plans to operate on this route, connecting to a new industrial town being developed at Dighi.