Residents of Vasai-Bhayandar are eagerly anticipating the launch of the much-awaited roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) services, scheduled to commence on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Dr. Manik Gursal, Chief Executive Officer of the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), made the official announcement of this innovative transportation service in a press release, sparking excitement and anticipation among the community.

The first ferry departure from Vasai is scheduled for 6:45 AM, with the final departure at 6:45 PM. Throughout the day, there will be a total of eight ferry services. However, services will be temporarily suspended for lunch break from 12:45 PM to 2:15 PM.

Suvarnadurg Shipping and Marine Services Private Limited, a Ratnagiri-based entity with extensive experience in ferry services along the Konkan coastline, has been selected and granted permission to operate the Ro-Ro passenger vessels on this creek route.

Initially, the service will be operated on an experimental basis for three months to address any technical or logistical issues. The vessels will have a capacity to ferry 100 passengers and 33 vehicles, including motorcycles, cars, and three-wheelers.

The Ro-Ro service aims to reduce travel time and traffic congestion, cutting the distance between the two cities by nearly 34 km and saving around 55 minutes of travel time.

The tariff details are as follows-

• Introductory tariffs:

  • ₹60 for motorcycles

  • ₹100 for three-wheelers

  • ₹180 for cars

  • ₹30 for passengers above 12 years old

• Special provisions for transporting goods and animals:

  • Tariffs range from ₹40 per basket of fish, hens, and fruits

  • ₹40 for animals like dogs, goats, and sheep

• Children aged 3 to 12 will be charged ₹15.