The roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) ferry service that resumed from August 20 has received an average response from Mumbaikars. Ro-Ro service has been launched for passengers travelling from Mumbai to Alibaug. However, the response of passengers to this luxurious and comfortable ro-ro service is still around 50 per cent on an average.
In the first two months after resuming services post lockdown, the response to Ro-Ro service was about 40 per cent. However, even during Diwali, the ridership did not increase.
Due to the combined holiday of Christmas and weekends, the tourism has witnessed an increase of 10 to 15 per cent in advance registration over the next few days. Meanwhile, during the regular time of the month, only during weekends, i.e Friday-Saturday-Sunday, it is observed a slight growth in the number of commuters.
Most of the ticket sales for the Ro-Ro service are based on pre-registration, however, currently, there are four services to and from Mandwa in a day.
Keeping social distancing rules in mind, ferries are being operated with reduced capacity. A spokesperson said the operator will not be taking bookings for more than 300 passengers and 60 cars for each trip whereas its capacity is close to 500 passengers and 145 cars.
The state’s first ro-ro service between Mumbai’s Ferry Wharf, Gateway of India and Mandwa in Alibag was launched in March. However, it was shut owing to the lockdown. According to officials, they might increase the services in the wake of the holiday and festive season to attract more ridership.
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