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Exciting news awaits residents of Vasai-Bhayandar as the long-anticipated roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry services are ready to kick off on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Dr. Manik Gursal, Chief Executive Officer of the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), released a press statement on Saturday, officially announcing the commencement of this innovative transportation service.
Suvarnadurg Shipping and Marine Services Private Limited, a Ratnagiri-based entity renowned for its expertise in ferry services along the Konkan coastline, has been chosen to operate the Ro-Ro passenger vessels on the Vasai-Bhayandar creek route.
The Ro-Ro ferry services aim to provide a faster and more efficient mode of transportation, offering a significant advantage to the residents of both Vasai and Bhayandar. The initial phase will operate on an experimental basis for three months, allowing for the identification and resolution of any technical or logistical issues that may arise.
The vessels are designed to accommodate 100 passengers and 33 vehicles simultaneously, ranging from motorcycles to cars. With the growing number of vehicles leading to increased travel time and traffic congestion on the highway, the Ro-Ro service is poised to address these challenges effectively.
One of the key benefits of the Ro-Ro service is the potential to reduce the travel distance between Vasai and Bhayandar by nearly 34 km. This not only promises to cut travel time by approximately 55 minutes but also contributes to fuel savings by minimizing congestion-related fuel wastage. Moreover, the reduction in pollution during peak traffic hours aligns with environmental conservation efforts.
To make this service accessible to all, the introductory tariff includes reasonable charges such as ₹60 for motorcycles (with riders), ₹100 for three-wheelers/minidors (with drivers), ₹180 for cars (with drivers), and ₹30 for passengers aged above 12 years. Additionally, special provisions are made for transporting goods and animals, with tariffs ranging from ₹40 per basket of fish, hens, and fruits to ₹40 for animals like dogs, goats, and sheep. Passengers aged between 3 to 12 years are charged ₹15.
This innovative Ro-Ro ferry service not only promises to enhance connectivity between Vasai and Bhayandar but also introduces an eco-friendly and time-efficient mode of transportation. As the inaugural journey approaches, residents eagerly anticipate the positive impact this service will have on their daily commutes.
