Mumbai To Vijaydurg, Maharashtra: Tourists Rejoice As Ro-Ro Ferry Cuts Travel Time By Three Hours!

Published on February 26, 2026

The Maharashtra Ports Department is establishing a new roll-on-roll-off Ro-Ro ferry service which will connect Mumbai and Vijaydurg from its start date on March 1 2026. The new service which will create shorter travel times between Mumbai and the peaceful coastal town of Vijaydurg will serve as a revolutionary advancement for both local residents and visitors to the area. The ferry service will provide passengers a speedier and more comfortable travel option which operates from Mumbai to Goa during the Shimga (Holi) festival when many people travel to the Konkan region.

A Faster, Stress-Free Journey for Passengers

The high-speed M2M Princess ferry will operate from Bhaucha Dhakka (Ferry Wharf) in Mumbai to Vijaydurg, a coastal gem located in Sindhudurg, in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. The ferry journey will take approximately seven hours, a stark improvement over the 10-hour road trip that currently connects these two points. With an emphasis on speed and comfort, the service is designed to cater to both individual travellers and families who wish to bypass the notorious traffic jams on the Mumbai-Goa highway.

Passengers will also have the added benefit of being able to transport their vehicles, both two-wheelers and four-wheelers, onboard, a feature that is expected to appeal to tourists exploring the pristine beaches and scenic locales of Sindhudurg. This will not only make travel more convenient but also open up new avenues for tourism by providing easier access to the Konkan region, which is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Boost to Tourism in the Konkan Region

The launch of the Ro-Ro ferry service is expected to be a major boon for tourism in the Konkan region, which has long been a hidden gem in Maharashtra’s tourism offerings. The Konkan coastline is dotted with picturesque beaches, forts, and temples, making it a popular destination for travellers seeking a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.

According to Nitesh Rane, Maharashtra’s Ports Minister, the ferry service is not only aimed at easing the travel experience for locals but also at enhancing the tourism prospects of the region. The ferry will provide an easy and efficient means of transportation for tourists who wish to explore the natural beauty of the Konkan region, including the stunning Vijaydurg fort, a historical marvel nestled along the coastline. This could also serve as an impetus for the development of new hotels, resorts, and tourism-related infrastructure in the area, thus contributing to the local economy and job creation.

A Strategic Move Ahead of the Shimga Festival

The timing of the ferry’s launch is no coincidence. With the Shimga (Holi) festival approaching, a time when many residents of Mumbai travel to their hometowns in the Konkan region, the service will offer an essential alternative to long and tiring road journeys. Every year, thousands of people embark on the trek to their native villages to celebrate the festival with family and friends. The new ferry service will ensure that they can travel with ease, bypassing the traffic congestion on the roads and enjoying a smooth sea journey instead.

As stated by officials from the Maharashtra Ports Department, the ferry service’s launch has been meticulously planned to coincide with the festival’s peak travel time, catering to both the high volume of passengers as well as their need for reliable, efficient transport. This move will also help reduce the strain on the overburdened Mumbai-Goa highway, which frequently experiences bottlenecks during the festival period.

A Pilot Phase to Gauge Demand

The new Ro-Ro service will begin with a 16-day pilot phase in March, during which eight departures will be scheduled from each location. These initial departures will serve as a test to gauge passenger demand and assess the financial viability of the service. Based on the pilot’s results, the Maharashtra Ports Department plans to evaluate the potential for further expansion. If the service proves to be a success, there may be discussions about extending the operation or securing viability gap funding to ensure its continued growth and sustainability.

A Bright Future for Coastal Connectivity

The successful implementation of the Mumbai-Vijaydurg Ro-Ro ferry service has the potential to transform the way people travel along Maharashtra’s coast. Not only does it offer a more time-efficient and comfortable option for travellers, but it also strengthens the region’s infrastructure, boosting both tourism and local economic activity. With over 140 regulatory clearances from authorities such as the Directorate General of Shipping, the Maharashtra Maritime Board, and the Mumbai Port Authority already secured, the project is poised for success.

In the coming years, this service may pave the way for similar initiatives along the coast, further enhancing coastal connectivity and making it easier for both tourists and locals to explore the stunning coastline of Maharashtra. By providing a much-needed alternative to overburdened highways and enhancing the region’s appeal to tourists, the Ro-Ro ferry service stands to play a key role in the growth of Maharashtra’s coastal tourism industry.

Bottom Line

The launch of the Mumbai-Vijaydurg Ro-Ro ferry service on March 1, 2026, establishes a key achievement for the development of Maharashtra’s coastal infrastructure. The new ferry service will become a vital component of the regional tourism industry because it offers quick travel and better tourist access and improved travel conditions for festival visitors. The new transportation system provides tourists with efficient and comfortable access to their Konkan coast destinations which benefits both the tourism industry and the local economy.