Navi Mumbai dad is first and only booking on much-touted new train Ro-Ro service from Kolad in Maha to Verna in Goa; A resident of Sanpada, Navi Mumbai, and a software engineer with HDFC Bank, Kandar will be travelling with his family to their village in Kankavali
Rohan Prakash Kandar with his car. Pics/By Special Arrangement
With the Konkan Railway officially announcing its Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) car service for this Ganesh festival — first reported by mid-day — bookings for the unique offering are yet to pick up pace. So far, only one booking has been made. mid-day tracked down the passenger and spoke to him about his plans.
“It has always been my passion to travel, especially across the Konkan region. Earlier, I used to ride my bike, but now that I have a family and a four-wheeler, I wanted to try something different. I booked the Ro-Ro service for the adventure,” said 30-year-old Rohan Prakash Kandar. “We have a four-month-old baby, so this allows us to travel comfortably in a 3AC coach while taking our car along for local travel. It’s an excellent idea.”
Rohan Prakash Kandar with wife Neha and their son Yash
A resident of Sanpada, Navi Mumbai, and a software engineer with HDFC Bank, Kandar will be travelling with his family to their village in Kankavali. “I own a five-door Force Gurkha. I’ll drive till Kolad, where the car will be loaded onto the train — and that’s where the adventure begins. I’m already excited,” he said.
He added, “Since I’m going with my family and a small child, I won’t have to drive long distances. Instead, I’ll get to spend quality time with them in the comfort of an AC train coach. Plus, the highway upgrade work is still incomplete, and there are lots of potholes. This is safer and more convenient.”
On the low response to the service so far, Kandar was optimistic, “All good things take time to catch on. This is the first time in India that people can travel with their own cars on a train. The idea is still in its infancy. They recently added a halt at Nandgaon Road. Once more halts are added in the Konkan region, I believe bookings will pick up — and even go into waiting lists.”
He praised the Konkan Railway staff for their cooperation, “I liked the idea right away. When I approached Konkan Railway for the booking, the staff was helpful and supportive, and I was able to complete the process quickly.”
About the service
Route: Kolad (Maharashtra) to Verna (Goa)
Start date: August 23
Departure: 5 pm from Kolad
Arrival: 5 am at Verna (next day)
Reporting time: On or before 2 pm on day of departure
Coach: 3AC (max 2 pax) + 1 seat in SLR coach allowed per car
Fare details
Freight Charge
Rs 7875 per car (one way)
Passenger fare
Rs 935 per person in 3AC
Rs 190 in 2S
Max capacity: 40 cars per train (20 wagons, two cars each)
Minimum requirement: If fewer than 16 cars are booked, the service will be cancelled.
Rs 7875
Freight charge per car
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