M2M Ferries, a company known for its Ro-Ro service between Mumbai and Mandwa, is preparing to launch a new Mumbai-Goa RoPAX ferry service. The company has acquired a 15-year-old RoPAX vessel from Italy, currently undergoing maintenance in Mumbai. This vessel is capable of accommodating 620 passengers and 60 cars, and once operational, it is expected to complete the Mumbai-Goa journey in just six and a half hours. M2M Ferries has applied for necessary approvals from the Director General of Shipping and other authorities to begin operations.
The company is hopeful that the central government will provide subsidies on fuel and tax concessions to make the service more affordable for passengers. The Director General of Shipping, Shyam Jagannathan, has confirmed that M2M Ferries’ application is under review. Pradeep Sudhakar, Chief Ship Surveyor, mentioned that the documents have been forwarded to the Indian Register of Shipping for further clearance. If successful, the Mumbai-Goa RoPAX ferry will join other similar services in India, such as the one between Hazira and Ghogha in Gujarat.
In addition to the new ferry service, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) is constructing new jetties for Ro-Ro services at Kashid, Revdanda, and Dighi along the Raigad coast. These jetties are expected to be operational in approximately 18 months. The state government is also planning a Ro-Ro service to connect Dighi’s upcoming industrial town, further enhancing connectivity in the region.
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