Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral
August 2025 – India has taken a groundbreaking step in transforming its inter-state transport infrastructure with the official launch of its first ‘Ro-Ro’ (Roll-on/Roll-off) Rail Service. Designed to enhance passenger convenience, the new service allows travelers to board the train with their own private vehicles, significantly reducing travel stress, cost, and time.
‘Ro-Ro’ stands for Roll-on/Roll-off – a transport method where vehicles roll onto the train at the starting point and roll off at the destination. This model has been widely adopted across Europe and now makes its debut on Indian soil.
📍 Route Details
- Starting Point: Kolad, Maharashtra
- Destination: Verna, Goa
- Carrying Capacity: Up to 40 cars per trip
- Travel Duration: Optimized to reduce lengthy road travel
The service is operated using a dedicated locomotive coach attached to special car-carrying wagons. Passengers remain in their vehicles during transit or can move to a passenger coach if available.
Historically, Indian railways have been a backbone of national transport since the first passenger train ran from Bombay to Thane in 1853. This modern adaptation of Ro-Ro services signals a leap forward in accessible, eco-friendly, and personalized travel.
With heavy traffic congestion and long road trips being common between Maharashtra and Goa—especially during festive or tourist seasons—this Ro-Ro service offers a timely, stress-free alternative.
Bookings are now open to the public. A notable surge in advance reservations has been reported, showing immense public interest. The pricing is competitive, and the operational design ensures that the train reaches on time without frequent halts at intermediary stations.
Railway officials and transport ministers have highlighted the ‘Ro-Ro’ service as a “milestone in India’s vision for smart and sustainable travel.” The project has been designed keeping in mind the daily commuter as well as the weekend traveler.
Though currently limited to the Kolad–Verna route, there are speculations that the Indian Railways may soon replicate this model across other busy corridors. With its blend of personal comfort and rail efficiency, the Ro-Ro model could redefine the way Indians travel domestically.
