In a major boost to coastal connectivity in Maharashtra, the much-awaited Mumbai–Vijaydurg Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry service is set to begin operations from March 1, 2026, just days before the Holi (Shimga) festival rush. The move is expected to significantly cut travel time between Mumbai and the Konkan region, offering a faster and more relaxed alternative to the congested Mumbai–Goa highway.
The service has been launched under the Maharashtra Ports Department, with Sindhudurg Guardian Minister Nitesh Rane symbolically booking the first ticket. The vessel will be operated by M2M Ferries, marking a revival of long-distance passenger water transport along Maharashtra’s western coastline after years of suspension.
Mumbai–Vijaydurg Ro-Ro ferry schedule: March 2026 sailings
The Ro-Ro ferry will operate on a pilot basis for 16 days in March, with eight departures from each port.
Departure dates from Mumbai (Bhaucha Dhakka / Ferry Wharf) are March 1, March 4, March 7, March 11, March 14, March 18, March 21, and March 25.
Return sailings from Vijaydurg are March 2, March 5, March 8, March 12, March 15, March 19, March 22, and March 26.
Inaugural sailing timings:
March 1: Depart Mumbai at 8:00 AM, arrive Vijaydurg at 3:00 PM.
March 2: Depart Vijaydurg at 12:00 PM, arrive Mumbai at 7:00 PM.
The journey is expected to take approximately seven hours — nearly three hours shorter than the average 10-hour road trip, especially during peak holiday traffic.
Vessel details: Faster and more comfortable sea travel
The high-speed Ro-Ro vessel, M2M Princess, will operate between Bhaucha Dhakka (Ferry Wharf) in Mumbai and Vijaydurg in Sindhudurg district.
Designed for both passenger and vehicle transport, the ferry allows travellers to carry bicycles, two-wheelers and four-wheelers.
This feature is expected to be particularly attractive for families and road trippers heading to the Konkan coast’s beaches, forts and coastal villages.
By avoiding long highway bottlenecks, especially on the Mumbai–Goa stretch, passengers can enjoy a stress-free sea journey while reaching their destination comfortably with their own vehicles.
Mumbai–Vijaydurg Ro-Ro ferry fare details
Ticket prices for the pilot phase have been fixed as follows:
Passenger fares:
Economy class: Rs 2,500.
Premium economy: Rs 4,000.
Vehicle charges:
Bicycle: Rs 600.
Two-wheeler: Rs 1,000.
Four-wheeler: Rs 6,000.
Officials have indicated that pricing and frequency may be reviewed depending on passenger response during the pilot run.
Timed ahead of Holi and summer travel rush
The launch of the Mumbai–Vijaydurg Ro-Ro ferry has been strategically timed ahead of the Shimga (Holi) festival season, when thousands of Mumbaikars travel to their native towns in the Konkan region. Each year, this festive movement results in severe congestion on the Mumbai–Goa highway, with long traffic snarls becoming a routine experience.
By introducing the ferry service just before Holi 2026, authorities aim to ease pressure on overcrowded roads, offer a dependable alternative mode of transport, improve the overall festival travel experience, and strengthen coastal mobility across Maharashtra.
In addition to catering to festive travellers, the service is also expected to benefit early summer vacationers planning trips to the Konkan coast, providing a smoother and more comfortable alternative to lengthy road journeys.
Tourism boost for Sindhudurg and the Konkan coast
Vijaydurg, located in Sindhudurg district, is home to the historic Vijaydurg Fort, widely regarded as one of Maharashtra’s most impressive sea forts. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the fort stands as a reminder of the region’s rich maritime legacy and continues to attract history enthusiasts and coastal travellers alike.
Beyond Vijaydurg, the Konkan coastline is celebrated for its pristine beaches, centuries-old coastal forts, serene temples, charming village homestays, flavourful Malvani cuisine, and scenic backwaters that offer a slower, more immersive travel experience.
Improved sea connectivity between Mumbai and Vijaydurg is expected to unlock fresh tourism potential for the region. Industry observers believe the Ro-Ro ferry service could spur new hospitality investments, accelerate the growth of homestays and boutique resorts, boost weekend tourism from Mumbai, and generate employment opportunities across Sindhudurg and nearby coastal districts.
Pilot phase to assess demand
The March 2026 operations will function as a pilot phase, with a total of 16 scheduled sailings planned during the month to assess the service’s overall performance.
During this period, authorities will closely monitor passenger occupancy levels, financial viability, operational logistics and seasonal demand trends to determine the long-term feasibility of the route.
If the response from travellers is encouraging, the Maharashtra Ports Department may consider increasing the frequency of sailings or extending the service beyond the initial pilot window. Officials have also indicated that discussions around long-term sustainability, including the possibility of viability gap funding, could take place if required.
Notably, the project has already secured more than 140 regulatory clearances from various maritime and port authorities, paving the way for a structured and compliant rollout.
Mumbai–Vijaydurg Ro-Ro ferry: Faster Konkan travel from March 1
Starting March 1, 2026, the Mumbai–Vijaydurg Ro-Ro ferry offers travellers a faster, smoother and scenic way to reach the Konkan coast ahead of Holi and the summer season. With seven-hour sea connectivity, vehicle transport options, and fixed pilot sailings through March, the service could reshape how Mumbaikars travel to Sindhudurg.
For those planning a Holi escape or a coastal road trip without the road fatigue, this sea route may just be the most convenient new option in 2026.
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