Mumbai to Sindhudurg in 5 hours: ‘South Asia’s fastest ferry’ to launch on Sept 1

Addressing a press conference at Mantralaya, Rane said the service will operate from Bhaucha Dhakka in Mumbai to Jaigad in Ratnagiri and Vijaydurg in Sindhudurg, reducing the journey time to three hours and five hours respectively.

The project, first conceptualised under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has now secured final clearance from the Union Shipping Ministry and the State Ports Department after completing 147 required permissions.

The vessel, named M2M, is being promoted as South Asia’s fastest Ro-Ro ferry, capable of cruising at 25 knots. It is equipped with seating for 656 passengers in four categories — 552 in economy, 44 in premium economy, 48 in business class and 12 in first class. Alongside passengers, it can also carry 50 cars, 30 two-wheelers, bicycles and mini buses, with provision for larger buses.

Rane said that the service was readied earlier but its launch was delayed due to rough weather and warnings issued to fishermen during the monsoon. “The moment the weather stabilises, the service will commence from September 1. It will ensure Konkan residents and tourists alike have a safe, quick and reliable journey,” he said. To provide last-mile connectivity, buses will be arranged from the jetties to nearby towns.

The fare structure has been finalised, with economy class tickets priced at Rs 2,500, premium economy at Rs 4,000, business class at Rs 7,500 and first class at Rs 9,000 for the whole journey.

Vehicle tariffs will be Rs 6,000 for cars, Rs 1,000 for two-wheelers, Rs 600 for bicycles and Rs 13,000 for mini buses, with larger buses charged according to capacity.

According to officials, the rates have been fixed keeping in mind both operational costs and affordability for passengers, particularly during festive rush when train and road ticket prices  often soar.

Calling the service a “game-changer” for coastal connectivity, Rane said the state government is already working on expanding routes to other Konkan destinations such as Shrivardhan and Mandwa. For this, new jetty infrastructure is being planned along the coast. “For years, Konkan residents have faced overcrowded trains and traffic-clogged highways during Ganeshotsav and Holi. This Ro-Ro ferry will provide a long-awaited alternative that saves time and offers safety,” he said.

It is equipped with seating for 656 passengers in four categories — 552 in economy, 44 in premium economy, 48 in business class and 12 in first class. (Express Photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)

Officials said Mumbai to Jaigad in Ratnagiri, which typically takes over 10 hours by road during peak festive traffic, will now be completed in three hours by sea. Similarly, Mumbai to Vijaydurg in Sindhudurg, which can stretch up to 12–14 hours by road, will take just five hours on the ferry.

“With South Asia’s fastest vessel deployed, the government expects high demand not just from Konkan locals but also from tourists keen on exploring the region,” he said.

The project, a joint initiative of the State Ports Department and the Union Shipping Ministry, is part of a larger push to develop coastal transport and decongest highways. The government hopes the service will not only reduce travel pressure during the festival season but also boost tourism and economic activity along the Konkan coast.