Travel form Mumbai to Goa in your car, on a train! Konkan railway plans new RO-RO service

Konkan Railway is planning a pilot service to
transport private vehicles, cars and SUVs on
train wagons from Kolad to Goa, likely
launching around the Ganapati festival on
August 27. The usual 10-12 hour Mumbai-
Goa drive often faces festive traffic snarls.
With the proposed Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off)
service, travellers can skip the stress, lower
their carbon footprint, and enjoy a smooth, 24-
hour train journey while staying inside their
cars.
To use the service, drivers need to simply
drive from Mumbai to Kolad station (approx.
106 km), load their vehicle, and relax, as the
train does the rest!
Inspired by its successful Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-
Ro) truck service between Kolad and
Mangalore, Konkan Railway is now
considering a similar system for private
vehicles, allowing drivers and passengers to
stay in their cars while being ferried by train
from Kolad to Goa. The idea aims to ease
traffic snarls on the Konkan highway.
However, technical tweaks are needed;
existing wagons are designed for taller trucks,
and modifications to ramps and tunnels
(especially near Pernem and Old Goa) would
be essential. At least 40 vehicles would be
required to run a trip.