Konkan Railway is all set to launch a car ferry train service connecting Mumbai and Goa, starting 23 August, just ahead of the Ganeshotsav festival. The new offering will enable passengers to transport their private cars along with themselves by train, significantly cutting down travel time and fatigue.

The route will operate between Kolad in Maharashtra and Verna in Goa, completing the journey in around 12 hours—almost halving the typical 20–22-hour drive by road. Officials said each train will be capable of carrying up to 40 cars. The freight charge per car is set at Rs 7,875 one way. Vehicles will be secured with belts and brakes during the journey, with no one allowed inside the car during transit.

Passengers travelling with their vehicles will be accommodated in attached coaches. A maximum of three passengers per car is allowed—two in air-conditioned 3AC coaches (fare Rs 935) and one in a 2nd class SLR coach (fare Rs 190).

Trains will depart from Kolad in the evening and reach Verna the next morning. Passengers are required to report by 2 pm, three hours before departure. The train will feature 20 specially designed wagons, each carrying two cars. The service will only run if a minimum of 16 cars are booked.

Authorities believe this initiative will offer a safer, faster, and more convenient travel experience, especially during festive and peak seasons.