Konkan Railway is launching India’s first car ferry train service between Maharashtra and Goa. Slated to begin during Ganesh Chaturthi, the train will carry both passengers and their private vehicles, cutting travel time in half. With safety-first measures and a comfortable ride, this service offers a smart, fatigue-free alternative to long, traffic-heavy road trips.
A Festive Gift for Maharashtra-Goa Travelers
In a revolutionary move, Konkan Railway is rolling out India’s first-ever car ferry train service—a unique solution for travelers heading between Kolad in Maharashtra and Verna in Goa. Timed to coincide with the Ganesh Chaturthi rush, the service promises to cut travel time from 22 hours by road to just 12 hours by train.
How the Car Ferry Train Works
The service combines car transport with passenger comfort. Each train will feature:
- 20 special wagons, each carrying 2 cars, totaling 40 vehicles per trip
- Passenger coaches attached for up to three travelers per vehicle
- Vehicles securely fastened with belts; passengers not allowed to stay in cars
Travelers must report by 2 PM at Kolad for a 5 PM departure, reaching Verna by 5 AM the next morning.
Pricing and Booking Essentials
- Car transport charge: ₹7,875 (one way)
- 3AC coach fare: ₹935 per person (2 persons per car allowed)
- SLR coach fare: ₹190 (1 additional person allowed per car)
The service will only operate if at least 16 cars are booked, ensuring economic feasibility for the railway.
Why This Matters
This service offers a much-needed alternative to the congested and tiring highway journey between the two states, especially during festive traffic surges like Ganeshotsav. Passengers get the comfort of train travel and the convenience of using their own car at the destination, all in a safer and faster manner.
Looking Ahead
If successful, the Kolad-Verna car ferry train could pave the way for similar services on other high-traffic routes in India. It’s not just a transportation innovation—it’s a big step toward smart travel for a new generation of road-trippers.
