A new RoPax ferry service is all set to set sail from Ferry Wharf Mumbai to Mandwa Jetty (Raigad) very soon to make commuting to Alibaug and other parts of the area including Mandwa, a trouble-free affair. A RoPax ferry offers a combination of conventional ro-ro service for vehicular transport while also offering room for passengers. Last month, we reported on this ferry’s arrival from Greece.
Though there are alternative ferry services in the region, they remain inoperational during the monsoons owing to harsh sea conditions. These proposed cruise ferries or RoPax ferries are the first for the country, making this an important achievement for the city. This service is run as a joint-venture by the Mumbai Port Trust (MBPT) and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB).
“M2M ferries is committed to providing cost-effective and convenient waterway connectivity for both walk-on passengers and vehicles between Mumbai and Mandwa to reduce the travel times from five hours by road to just one hour by sea (covering 18 km). The prices will be cost-effective for commuters as well as travellers,” said Devika Saigal, spokesperson M2M ferries while speaking to NDTV.
It is speculated that the addition of M2M ferries has the potential for economic growth, particularly since it can allow residents of areas like Alibaug to reach the city within an hour. A drive to Alibaug from Mumbai can take up to 5 hours, while other transportation services such as the speedboat or a standard ferry don’t run during the monsoons for the aforementioned reasons.
Known as the M2M-1, this RoPax ferry was shipped in from Greece and has arrived only yesterday. This vessel can hold up to 150 vehicles and 500 passengers at a time. The M2M-1 will depart to and from Ferry Wharf in Mumbai and Mandwa in Raigad throughout the day, although there’s no clarity on the timings for this service.
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