Travel between Mumbai and Konkan is about to get faster, smoother, and far more convenient! The long-awaited Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry service from Mumbai to Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg will commence on September 1, 2025, after a series of successful test runs. The high-speed vessel M2M Princess, touted as "South Asia’s fastest passenger-cum-vehicle ferry", will connect Bhau Cha Dhakka in Mumbai with Jaigad (Ratnagiri) and Vijaydurg (Sindhudurg) in record time.

Maharashtra Ports Minister Nitesh Rane said the launch was postponed during Ganeshotsav due to safety concerns amid rough monsoon seas. But with the meteorological department confirming improved weather conditions, the service is now ready to roll. “We have secured 147 clearances from agencies including the Union Shipping Ministry, DG Shipping, IRS, Maharashtra Maritime Board, and Mumbai Port Authority. Passenger safety comes first, but now the seas are clear and the vessels are ready”, Rane said at Mantralaya (report by HT).

The Mumbai–Jaigad journey, which currently takes 8 hours by road and 6 hours by train, will be cut to just 3–4 hours by sea. The Mumbai–Vijaydurg stretch will take 5–6 hours, less than half the usual travel time. The service builds on the success of the Mumbai–Mandwa (Alibaug) Ro-Ro route, which has already transformed weekend tourism and reduced road congestion.

Route & Duration

• Mumbai (Bhau Cha Dhakka) → Jaigad Jetty (Ratnagiri): 3–4 hours

• Mumbai (Bhau Cha Dhakka) → Vijaydurg Jetty (Sindhudurg): 5–6 hours

Speed & Capacity

• Travels at 25 knots → fastest passenger-cum-vehicle ferry in South Asia

• Passenger capacity: 552 in Economy + Premium classes

• Vehicle capacity:

  • 50 four-wheelers

  • 30 two-wheelers

  • Mini-buses and buses up to 45-seaters

Ticket Prices – Passengers

• Economy Class: ₹2,500 (552 seats)

• Premium Economy: ₹4,000 (44 seats)

• Business Class: ₹7,500 (48 seats)

• First Class: ₹9,000 (12 seats)

Ticket Prices – Vehicles

• Bicycle: ₹600

• Two-wheeler: ₹1,000

• Car (four-wheeler): ₹6,000

• Minibus: ₹13,000

• 30-seater bus: ₹14,500

• 45-seater bus: ₹17,000

• Buses larger than 45-seaters: ₹21,000

Phase & Expansion

• Phase 1 Coverage: Mumbai → Jaigad (Ratnagiri) → Vijaydurg (Sindhudurg)

• Planned Expansion: New jetties at Shrivardhan, Mandwa, with long-term plans to extend direct to Goa

The launch is in time for Mumbai's Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, when thousands of Konkani families return to their hometowns. Instead of battling potholes and bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Mumbai-Goa highway, passengers can now opt for a fast, safe, and scenic sea journey. For tourists, the service opens the Konkan coast for quick weekend trips to pristine beaches, historic forts, and cultural festivals.

Rane underlined that this is not a seasonal service but a year-round project. The long-term plan includes direct connections to Goa, further expanding Maharashtra’s maritime tourism potential. Thus, from affordable economy tickets to lurxury seating and vehicle-carrying capacity, the ferry redefines how both residents and tourists can experience the Konkan.