Mumbai-Mandwa RoRo service inaugurated with a low-key launch ceremony

The roll on-roll off (RoRo)-cum-passenger ferry service between Mumbai and Mandwa was launched on March 15, Sunday amid the coronavirus scare across the state. The service was inaugurated in the presence of Union Minister of State for Shipping Mansukh Mandaviya and Maharashtra port and maritime board officials.

Owing to the COVID-19 outbreak, the launch ceremony for the much-awaited ferry service was a low-key one. The state government has currently imposed restrictions on mass gatherings because of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The vessel reportedly can carry close to 145 vehicles along with 500 passengers. More importantly, the ferry which has been built in Greece is capable of functioning even during monsoon.

"It can reach speeds of 14 knots and will complete the 18-kilometre sea journey in 45 minutes to one hour. The road distance between Mumbai and Mandwa is 110 kilometres and can take anything between three to four hours," an official said.

Information released by MMB mentions that passengers will be able to choose from general, air-conditioned and luxury classes and the fares for the same were finalised in a meeting held on Monday. Commuters will have to pay ₹220, ₹330 and ₹550 for general, AC and the luxury class respectively. Further, the fares for cars have also been divided into three slabs where one will have to pay ₹1,100, ₹1,500 and ₹1,900 respectively, depending on the size of the vehicles. 

The RoRo service will leave Mumbai port at 6:30 am and reach Mandwa by 7:45 am, which is also the return time for the ferry. The second service of the day will be in the evening when the vessel will leave Mumbai port at 6:00 pm and return at 7:45 pm.

Ticketing counters would be set up at Bhaucha Dhakka as well at Mandwa Jetty. The schedule of the service can be checked on its official website.

In a message, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray said that the new service would be a milestone for the state. A similar service has also been planned between Bhayandar and Dombivali. The Bhayandar-Dombivali project is awaiting a final nod. Once it receives approval, the service is expected to start in two years.