In a groundbreaking initiative, the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) is set to launch India's first-ever car ferry train service, transporting private cars along with their owners between Kolad in Maharashtra and Verna in Goa. Travellers will be able to load their private vehicles onto the train and travel in connected passenger coaches, covering the journey in just 12 hours, compared to the typical 20-22 hours by road due to traffic congestion and winding ghats. The launch has been strategically timed ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi rush, offering a quicker, safer and more comfortable alternative to the usually exhausting road trip, Times Now reported.
The ferry train model, which was earlier used for transporting trucks, enables drivers to place their vehicles onto specially designed wagons and ride in adjacent passenger coaches until they reach Goa. Vehicles are tightly belted, and handbrakes must be applied during transit.
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Each train will have 20 specially built wagons, with each wagon accommodating two cars, allowing for a total of 40 cars per trip. However, the service will only operate if at least 16 vehicles are scheduled for transport. Additionally, passengers will not be allowed to stay in their cars during the journey.
Passengers are not allowed to travel inside their cars.
The one-way car transport charge is Rs 7,875. A maximum of three passengers per car - two in 3AC and one in SLR coach - can travel either in second seating (Rs 190) or 3AC coaches (Rs 935 per person).
The train is expected to depart Kolad at 5 PM and arrive in Verna by 5 AM the next day. Passengers must reach Kolad station by 2:00 PM to complete vehicle loading and boarding formalities.
Thousands of people travel from Mumbai, Pune and other parts of Maharashtra to Goa during holidays and festivals. This new service is being hailed as a game-changer, especially for those travelling with families in personal vehicles.
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Given the heavy highway congestion during Ganeshotsav and other festivals, this service is expected to be a major relief for travellers. It will reduce travel time, enable carpooling and offer a comfortable rail journey.
Besides lowering travel stress, the service also presents a green alternative by reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions. According to KRCL officials, the car ferry train is expected to greatly decongest roadways, as reported by Daijiworld Media Network.
