Travel in India just got a unique upgrade. Konkan Railway has launched the country’s first and only Ro-Ro car-on-train service, giving families the chance to take their own cars along for the ride between Maharashtra and Goa. Flagged off during the Ganpati festival, this service blends the comfort of rail travel with the convenience of road trips—minus the endless traffic jams.
What is the Ro-Ro Car-on-Train Service?
Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) allows you to drive your own car or SUV onto a specially designed wagon attached to a passenger train. While your car is securely transported, you and your family relax in comfortable AC or second seating coaches. On arrival, you simply drive off and continue your journey with your car.
The inaugural run carried five cars and nineteen passengers from Kolad in Maharashtra to Verna in Goa, marking a milestone in Indian Railways’ innovation.
Route and Schedule
The service connects:
• Kolad (Maharashtra)
• Nandgaon Road (Maharashtra)
• Verna (Goa)
It operates *between August 23 and September 11, 2025, on **alternate days. Departure from both ends is set at **3:00 pm, with arrival the next morning around 6:00 am. Passengers are required to report *three hours before departure.
Fare Structure
• Car freight charges:
- Kolad ↔️ Verna – ₹7,875 (one way)
- Kolad ↔️ Nandgaon Road – ₹5,460 (one way)
• Passenger fare per car booking:
- 3AC: ₹935 (max two seats)
- 2S: ₹190 (one seat)
Each car booking allows up to three passengers.
Also Read: Kia Flags Off India’s First Double-Decker Freight Train to Transport SUVs
How It Works
• Cars are loaded onto wagons using ramps and secured with lashing belts.
• Owners must carry copies of their RC, insurance, Aadhaar, and PAN card.
• No one is allowed to remain inside the car during the journey due to safety regulations.
Booking and Registration
• A ₹4,000 registration fee per car is required, adjusted against freight.
• Balance payment is made at the station before departure.
• Registrations close three days prior to departure.
• Contact KRCL offices at Belapur (Mumbai), Verna (Goa), or Kankavali (Maharashtra) for bookings.
Why Try This Service?
For families traveling during Ganpati or planning a Goa vacation, this is a game changer. You skip the exhausting Mumbai-Goa highway traffic, enjoy the scenic Konkan route by train, and still have your car ready at your destination for easy mobility.
Ro-Ro Car-on-Train Service at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Kolad (Maharashtra) ↔ Nandgaon Road (Maharashtra) ↔ Verna (Goa) |
| Operation Dates | August 23 – September 11, 2025 (Ganpati season) |
| Frequency | Alternate days in each direction |
| Departure Time | 3:00 pm from both Kolad & Verna |
| Arrival Time | Around 6:00 am next day |
| Report Time | 12:00 pm (3 hours before departure) |
| Car Capacity | 40 cars per trip (20 wagons × 2 cars each) |
| Minimum Booking | 16 cars (else trip cancelled & refunded) |
| Car Freight (One Way) | Kolad ↔ Verna: ₹7,875 • Kolad ↔ Nandgaon: ₹5,460 |
| Passenger Fare (Per Car) | 3AC: ₹935 (max 2 seats) • 2S: ₹190 (1 seat) |
| Max Passengers per Car | 3 (2 in 3AC + 1 in 2S) |
| Registration Fee | ₹4,000 per car (adjusted in freight) |
| Booking Deadline | 3 days before departure (by 5:00 pm) |
| Documents Required | RC, Insurance, Aadhaar, PAN (copies) |
Conclusion
The Ro-Ro car-on-train service by Konkan Railway is more than just a festival special—it’s a glimpse into the future of travel in India. Combining convenience, safety, and novelty, it’s perfect for families who want both comfort and flexibility.
Also Read: Anand Mahindra Reacts on India’s Longest Loaded Train
