Konkan Railway’s pioneering Roll-On Roll-Off (Ro-Ro) service for private vehicles has seen limited traction despite drawing over 50 enquiries since bookings began on July 21 - only one confirmed booking has been recorded so far.
The service, operational between Kolad in Maharashtra and Verna in Goa, allows private cars to be transported on a special rail coach, with up to three passengers per car accommodated in an attached passenger bogie. Passengers are not permitted to remain in their vehicles during the journey.
Aimed at easing road travel for tourists and Konkan-bound residents, especially during holidays, the initiative saw a boost after public demand led to the addition of an intermediate loading/unloading stop at Nandgaon Road station in Sindhudurg.
Fares for the Kolad-Verna route are Rs 7,875 per vehicle and Rs 5,460 for Kolad-Nandgaon. Passenger fares are Rs 935 for 3AC and Rs 190 for second class.
While bookings were initially open till August 15, the deadline has now been extended to August 18. The service will run between August 23 and September 11, but may be cancelled if fewer than 16 cars are booked.
Konkan Railway confirmed the single booking included a Rs 4,000 advance. Despite the weak response, officials remain optimistic that awareness and the new stop will boost uptake in the coming days.