Road trip from Mumbai to Goa? Make it exciting, ferry your car on a boat to Mandwa by April 2018

Around 14 lakh people travel from Gateway of India to Mandwa in Raigad district every year. The service will lower the burden on roads and railways

Here’s some good news for those who love travelling to Alibaug, Konkan or Goa. From April next year, you will be able to take your cars on board special ferries from Ferry Wharf (Bhaucha Dhakka) in Mumbai up to Mandwa, cutting your travel time by almost three hours.

Around 1.6 hectares will be reclaimed around the existing Mandwa jetty, officials said. (HT File)

The service, which will be introduced from Ferry Wharf to Mandwa and Nerul in Navi Mumbai, is expected to lower the burden on roads and railways.

Around 14 lakh people travel from Gateway of India to Mandwa in Raigad district every year.

“The work is on at Ferry Wharf and Mandwa. The services between Mumbai and Mandwa will begin by April next year. The Mumbai-Nerul operations would take some more time,” said Sanjay Bhatia, chairman Mumbai Port Trust.

Around 1.6 hectares will be reclaimed around the existing Mandwa jetty, officials said.

A special ferry or vessel can accommodate 300 passenger cars and 100 trucks and tempos.

“It will save motorists’ time. It is also an environment-friendly option,” said Bhatia.

The fares for the service are yet to be decided, they are estimated to be Rs400-500.