Residents of Palghar and Virar have a reason to celebrate today. A long-awaited ferry service that promises to cut down hours of road travel into a short boat ride has finally launched its trial operations. The Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry between Kharwadeshri in Jalsar (Saphale), Palghar, and Marambalpada in Narangi, Virar, officially begins its first trial runs on April 19.

This new ferry service has been in discussion for quite some time, and many locals have been eagerly waiting for it to start. Now that the trial runs are finally starting, there’s a sense of excitement and hope that this project will change the way people commute between these areas.

Why This Ferry Service Matters

Currently, traveling by road between Kharwadeshri and Narangi takes about 90 minutes to cover nearly 60 kilometers. The roads are often packed with traffic, especially during peak hours, making it a frustrating journey for commuters and tourists alike.

With the new ferry, the same trip will now take just 15 to 20 minutes, as the water route spans only 1.5 kilometers. That’s a massive reduction in both time and fuel costs. Not only does it benefit residents, but it also offers a much-needed boost to tourism in areas like Vasai, Virar, Saphale, and Kelwa.

The ferry is part of the Sagarmala Project, a central government initiative aimed at improving water-based connectivity throughout India. While the approval for this project dates back to October 2017, it has taken several years to move past delays and legal approvals.

Project Background and Funding

Initially, the ferry service was sanctioned at a cost of ₹12.92 crore, but that figure was later revised to ₹23.68 crore in March 2023. The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), responsible for overseeing the project, gave the go-ahead after receiving environmental and legal clearances — including approvals from both the High Court and the Supreme Court.

Suvarnadurg Shipping and Marine Services Pvt. Ltd. has been chosen to operate the ferry. The contractor began work in early 2024, and although some aspects of the project are still under construction, the trial runs have been green-lit with temporary setups in place.

Work Done So Far

The jetty at Marambalpada (Virar side) was completed in August 2021, including an access road that cost around ₹30 crore. However, the jetty at Kharwadeshri (Palghar side) is still being built. Until its completion, a temporary reinforced slope ramp has been put in place to facilitate ferry operations.

Despite these temporary measures, the MMB has carried out thorough checks to ensure the safety and efficiency of the service. The team reviewed everything from navigation routes to how easily vehicles and people could board and exit the ferry.

Time and Distance Comparison

Here’s a look at just how much time and distance the ferry will save:

  • By Road: 60 kilometers, roughly 90 minutes
  • By Ferry: 1.5 kilometers, only 15–20 minutes

This service is expected to benefit not just daily commuters but also those who need to travel to the Palghar district headquarters, which is currently a long drive from Virar. The ferry will reduce the need to take long winding roads and instead offer a direct water link.

Service Timings and Frequency

Starting from April 19, the ferry will run three times a day — morning, afternoon, and evening.

  • First Ferry: Leaves Virar at 6:30 AM
  • Last Return Trip: From Kharwadeshri at 7:00 PM
  • Frequency: Every 15 minutes during scheduled time blocks

From April 25, night services will also begin. The last ferry from Virar will depart at 10:00 PM, and the last from Jalsar will leave at 10:10 PM.

Fare Structure

Here’s what commuters can expect to pay once the service opens to the public fully. The fares are modeled after the Vasai–Bhayandar ferry system:

  • Bicycle: ₹10
  • Motorcycle (with rider): ₹66
  • Empty Rickshaw (with driver): ₹110
  • Four-Wheeler Car (with driver): ₹200
  • Passenger/Heavy Vehicle: ₹220
  • Large Passenger Vehicle: ₹275
  • Empty Bus, Truck, Tractor: ₹330
  • Empty Goods Truck / JCB: ₹550
  • Livestock (per head): ₹55
  • Fruits, fish, baskets, etc.: ₹40
  • Adult Passenger (above 12 years): ₹30
  • Child (3 to 12 years): ₹15

The ferry is designed to carry 20 small four-wheelers, 25 two-wheelers, and many passengers on each trip.

Challenges and Delays

The project hit roadblocks in its early stages due to environmental concerns. Construction was stalled because the proposed sites fell within mangrove forest areas. Eventually, a solution was reached when the State Government’s Revenue and Forest Department transferred about 4790 square meters of mangrove land to the Maharashtra Maritime Board.

According to senior officials, around 95% of the project is now complete. The remaining work is progressing steadily, and the final completion is just a matter of time.

What’s Next?

The trial period will help authorities fine-tune the service. If all goes well, the ferry could soon become a daily mode of transport for hundreds of people, easing pressure on roads and making coastal travel smoother and more pleasant.

For now, the people of Virar and Palghar can enjoy a ride that not only saves time and money but also offers a scenic, peaceful alternative to stressful road commutes.

This isn’t just a new transport option — it’s a shift in how people can live and travel in the region.