Ro-Ro from Mumbai to Mandwa soon

Mumbai: Ro-Ro (Roll in, Roll off) ferry service from Ferry Wharf, Mumbai to Mandwa, Alibaug in Raigad district has moved a step closer to reality as the Mumbai Maritime Board (MMB), on October 5, gave the ‘letter of award’ to Maldar Dredgers and Salvagers company.

It means that the contract for the project has now been given to the company, which will operate and maintain the vessels along with providing the services. The service is expected to be available for Mumbaikars by March or April next year.

The project is being jointly implemented by the Mumbai Port Trust (MPT), MMB and the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO). According to the MMB, at a time, the ferry service is capable of carrying 350 passengers and 40 cars. The MMB also said that the service will be not be affected by heavy rains or bad weather and will operate for 365 days a year. The whole aim of the Ro-Ro ferry service is to decongest the city roads and reduce the burden on railways.

The total cost of the project is Rs 150 crore. The project was announced by chief minister Devendra Fadnvais last year. Once operational, the ferry service will cut the travel time as one can reach Mandwa within 30 minutes.The service will be available in every 30 minutes. Currently, it takes four hours via road to reach Alibaug from Mumbai.  

According to reports, once operational, a four-wheeler owner will have to shell out Rs 400- 500 per trip, while the temp owners will have to pay up to `800 per trip to reach Mandwa via ferry.