Over the past few years, the metropolitan region of Mumbai has witnessed a significant increase in the number of vehicles, leading to congestion on roads connecting Thane, Navi Mumbai, Bhiwandi, Ghodbunder Road, Mira-Bhayandar, and Vasai-Virar. This surge in vehicle numbers has resulted in increased travel time and traffic congestion on major highways.
However, relief is on the horizon for residents of Vasai and Bhayandar as a game-changing development is set to be inaugurated soon. The travel time between these two locations, which currently takes up to ten minutes, will soon be reduced to a mere two and a half minutes. You may be wondering how this is possible. The key lies in the introduction of Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) ferry services connecting Bhayandar to Vasai and vice versa, set to commence within the next two days.
This Ro-Ro service is anticipated to bring about numerous benefits for commuters in the region, making travel more efficient and time-saving. The stretch of waterway between Bhayandar and Vasai is poised to witness the launch of Ro-Ro ferry services in just two days, on February 16.
As a result, the travel distance between the two cities will be shortened by 34.7 kilometers, translating to a time savings of 55 minutes during peak travel hours. Previously, the journey between Vasai and Bhayandar took about two hours, but with the Ro-Ro ferry service, this time is expected to be reduced to a mere ten minutes. This development is set to revolutionize the way residents of these two cities commute.
The Vasai-Bhayandar Ro-Ro service will operate between specially designated jetties, with the infrastructure nearing completion and set to be fully operational on the inauguration day. This strategic water-based transportation initiative is part of a larger project aimed at connecting Thane, Mira-Bhayandar, Bhiwandi, and Kalyan municipalities through an eco-friendly waterway network.
The Ro-Ro service, to be named “Janhavi,” will be managed by a dedicated company appointed by the Maritime Board. The Ro-Ro boat will have a capacity to accommodate 50 two-wheelers and 30 four-wheelers, ensuring ample space for commuters. Additionally, the ferry is designed to accommodate over 100 passengers, enhancing its efficiency and accessibility for a larger number of citizens.
The cost of this state-of-the-art Ro-Ro boat is estimated to be 6.2 crore INR, a worthy investment considering the significant reduction in travel time and convenience it offers to the public. The distance between Vasai and Bhayandar by road is approximately 38.20 kilometers, which usually takes two to three hours to cover. However, with the introduction of the Ro-Ro ferry service, this distance will be reduced to a mere 3.57 kilometers.
The Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) service will offer 16 trips every day, spanning the 1.89 nautical mile distance between Bhayander and Vasai.
The initial ferry sets sail from Vasai at 6:45 in the morning, with the final one departing Bhayander at 7:30 in the evening.
Ticket prices for the service are set at Rs 30 for adults, Rs 15 for kids, Rs 60 for motorcycles, and Rs 180 for cars.
This shortened travel distance will enable Ro-Ro boats to transport passengers from Vasai to Bhayandar in just 10 to 15 minutes, providing a swift and efficient mode of transportation. The Ro-Ro service is scheduled to operate from 6 AM to 7 PM daily, ensuring accessibility for commuters throughout the day. Commuters can expect waiting rooms, toilets, and ticket booking counters at the jetties, making the overall experience convenient and comfortable.
In conclusion, the upcoming Ro-Ro ferry service between Vasai and Bhayandar is set to transform the daily commute for residents, offering a faster and more efficient mode of transportation. The reduction in travel time, ease of accessibility, and eco-friendly nature of this initiative are expected to make a positive impact on the lives of the citizens in these two cities. As we eagerly await the inauguration on February 16, it marks a significant step toward a more connected and streamlined transportation network in the Mumbai metropolitan region.