Konkan Railway to Launch First-Ever Car Ferry Train Service Between Maharashtra and Goa
Konkan Railway extends registration deadline for Ro-Ro Car Transportation Service
In a groundbreaking move that’s set to redefine road travel between Maharashtra and Goa, the Konkan Railway is preparing to introduce India’s first car ferry train service, according to reports. Timed strategically to accommodate the rush during Ganesh Chaturthi, this new offering will allow private car owners to transport their vehicles via train, while they travel comfortably in attached passenger coaches. The initiative aims to offer a faster, safer, and more convenient alternative to the often exhausting and congested road journey between the two states.
The new route is expected to operate between Kolad in Maharashtra and Verna in Goa, a distance that typically takes 20 to 22 hours to cover by road. With this new service, the same journey will take approximately 12 hours by train, offering considerable relief to travelers, especially during the festive and holiday seasons. Trains will reportedly depart Kolad at 5 PM and reach Verna by 5 AM the following morning. Passengers will need to report at the Kolad station by 2 PM, at least three hours before departure, to complete necessary loading and boarding formalities.
Each train will consist of 20 specially designed wagons, with each wagon capable of carrying two vehicles, giving the service a total capacity of 40 cars per trip. However, Konkan Railway officials have clarified that the service will only run if a minimum of 16 vehicles are booked for any particular journey. The freight charge for transporting one car is set at ₹7,875 for a one-way trip. To ensure safety during the journey, all vehicles will be securely fastened using belts, and handbrakes must be engaged. No passengers will be allowed to stay inside their cars while in transit.
Instead, travelers will be accommodated in attached passenger coaches, with a maximum of three people allowed per vehicle booking. Two passengers can travel in the air-conditioned 3AC coach at a fare of ₹935 per person, while one additional passenger can travel in the second-class SLR (Seating-cum-Luggage Rake) coach for ₹190. This arrangement ensures both safety and convenience, allowing travelers to enjoy the journey while their vehicles are transported alongside them.
According to railway officials, the service is particularly aimed at reducing the travel burden during peak festive periods such as Ganeshotsav, when highway traffic can become overwhelming. For many, this will serve as a practical alternative—eliminating the fatigue of long-distance driving while still having the convenience of a personal vehicle at their destination.
This initiative marks a pioneering step in Indian railway operations by seamlessly integrating private vehicle transport with passenger convenience. According to reports, once launched, it could become a go-to option for vacationers and festival travelers alike.
