Your car ride to Alibaug, Malvan to get smoother in two years
Your ride is all set to get smoother, with the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) planning to fill the gaps along the state coastline that are formed because of the creeks with roll-on roll-off (RoRo) services.
Tired of the long journey via Navi Mumbai to reach Alibaug, Ganpatipule or Malvan?
Your ride is all set to get smoother, with the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) planning to fill the gaps along the state coastline that are formed because of the creeks with roll-on roll-off (RoRo) services. The RoRo ships, which are used to carry wheeled cargo, will help you transport your vehicle to the other side of the creek, after which you can resume the road journey.
By uploading a car on a RoRo vessel at Ferry Wharf and taking it off at Revas or Dharamtar, you can skip the 70-100km road journey to reach Alibaug or Pen. After alighting at Revas, you can go to Kashid beach, Murud, Shrivardhan, Ganpatipule or Malvan, using RoRo services on your way.
Currently, as several coastal roads are disconnected because of creeks, motorists have to take a detour to bypass it. The maritime board has constructed jetties between Tavasal and Jaigad, Dabhol and Dhopave, Vesavi and Bangmandla in Ratnagiri and Raigad districts and plan to complete the work on the remaining jetties within two years. Once complete, the board will be able to start RoRo vessels between Agardanda and Dighi, Karanja and Rewas, Ferry Wharf and Mandwa, and Ferry Wharf and Dharamtar in Raigad district. The jetties will allow RoRo services between Marve and Manori, Borivli and Gorai, Virar and Tembhikhodave, Vasai and Bhayandar.
Asheesh Sharma, chief executive officer, MMB, said, “Once all jetties are constructed, the travel along the coastline will become smooth. Some private operators have started the service already.”
The board also plans to start RoRo services along the west coast to boost connectivity in northern parts of the western suburbs. The service will also help reduce pollution and traffic congestion. After the construction of jetties, the board is likely to invite private players to operate the ferry service, in which catamarans and RoRo vessels will be procured by private players and the board will get a licence fee in return.
