What is Konkan Railways’ ‘Roll On-Roll Off’ service which has arrived in Goa? 10 things to know

In a significant move towards a greener and more efficient transport, Konkan Railways’ first ‘Roll On-Roll Off’ (Ro-Ro) train service for private cars made its debut journey to Goa this weekend, marking a new chapter in hassle-free travel along the west coast.

The special Ro-Ro train, which began its maiden trip from Kolad in Maharashtra’s Raigad district on Saturday (August 23) afternoon, arrived in Goa in the early hours of Sunday. The service, operated by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL), is aimed at easing the travel burden during the upcoming Ganesh festival season and reducing road congestion across Maharashtra and Goa.

Here are 10 things to know about the innovative service:

1. What is Ro-Ro? Ro-Ro, short for ‘Roll On-Roll Off’, is a mode of transport where vehicles are directly loaded onto flatbed railway wagons and transported by train, allowing passengers to travel in dedicated coaches on the same journey.

2. First-of-its-kind for private cars | Though Ro-Ro services have been used for freight and trucks in India, this is the first time KRCL has introduced it specifically for private cars and accompanying passengers.

3. Maiden journey highlights | The inaugural train carried five cars and 19 passengers, departing Kolad at 3:40 PM on Saturday. Four vehicles were offloaded at Nandgaon (near Kankavli in Sindhudurg), while one continued to Verna in South Goa.

4. Passenger comfort onboard | The train comprises 10 Ro-Ro wagons for vehicles and two passenger coaches — one air-conditioned and the other second-class seating — ensuring a comfortable journey alongside your vehicle.

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5. Convenience and time-saving | Unlike long road trips prone to delays, the Ro-Ro service offers a smooth alternative, with loading and unloading times averaging just 15 to 20 minutes per terminal.

6. Environmental and road safety benefits | This mode of transport significantly reduces fuel consumption, road traffic, and vehicular emissions. It also mitigates the risk of accidents and cuts down wear and tear on vehicles.

7. Tariff structure | As per KRCL, transporting a car from Kolad to Verna costs ₹7,875, while the journey to Nandgaon is priced at ₹5,460. The pricing is designed to remain competitive with market rates.

8. Booking window | Registrations for scheduled Ro-Ro trips will be accepted up to three days prior to the date of travel, excluding the day of journey. All bookings close at 5 PM.

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9. Positive response from travellers | KRCL officials, including Deputy General Manager Baban Ghatge, described the journey as memorable for families who participated and encouraged more people to try the service, especially during high-traffic festive periods.

10. Future plans and feedback-based expansion | The continuation and expansion of the service will depend on public feedback. According to Ghatge, if the response is encouraging, more trips may be planned in the coming weeks.