[moralfibre]

Originally Posted by ninjatalli

Also, I kinda agree with what @moralfibre had mentioned on that thread. Although a good way to proceed, the trans harbour link would be the real deal; although both should complement each other for sure!

What's the current status of the MTHL - Mumbai trans-harbour link?

Look for #MTHL on Twitter. Here are some pics courtesy Sahil Pednekar:

[vharihar]

^^Also see https://www.skyscrapercity.com/showt...612688&page=73 for updates on MTHL.

[gautam109]

I really hope they have widened and improved the roads from Mandwa jetty to Kihim / Alibaug / Kashid.

Otherwise we may a nightmare situation where you roll off the ferry and are stuck in an interminable jam on the access road (& vice-versa on return leg). Although, the ferry's car-carrying capacity being only 200 (per this link) and the gradual pace of unloading may help in this regard.

[amrutmhatre90]

Originally Posted by GTO

One reason I haven't visited Alibaug in the recent past is the terrible road condition. It's just no fun to drive there. This will change that.
If the service becomes popular with (rich) holiday travelers, it might also lead to a bump up in property prices there .

Originally Posted by Aditya

Excellent news. Driving to Alibaug has been a nightmare since many years now, thanks to the poor road conditions and slow moving traffic. Sometimes, it takes more than 3 hours to cover the 100 km distance.

I am a frequent traveler to Alibaug as I have a farmhouse there can say that the roads have got a lot better now. 4 Lane highway plan is under development and the roads will get much better now.
The pain used to be the prime spot Vadkal Naka, for which they sorted by making a bypass road which is still under development. Next is Poinad, where the ST bus stop on the roads itself creating massive jams. But this is still a 2 lane road, I dunno how they are going to tackle this.
But slow moving traffic will mostly be on weekends, many and I say many travelers from around 100-200kms come to Alibag for a Weekend vacation. I have reached home from Alibaug within 2.15-2.30hrs on Weekdays. The roads are butter smooth after Wadkal.

My main question is, will the RO-RO ferry be feasible ?
People traveling from anywhere in Mumbai would take approximately 1 hour to reach near the ferry, add getting in it with a vehicle would take 15-20 mins. Traveling to mandva 1.15-1.30 mins. Again taking out the vehicle from Ro-Ro would be 20-30 mins. Roads near mandva are super small and 2 lane, can cause a traffic jam. Add 10-20 or more kms drive from mandva to place you wanna go.

In the end all this shouldn't sum up to 3 hours if they want to make this a alternative way for Alibag. For fun and one of a kind journey this would be excellent. This is good option for bikes, but for cars I doubt.

Approx fair would be 600-700 or more for cars depending on the size.
For a Diesel car Rs.1000 fuel would take you to Alibag & get you back home too.

[Tejas@perioimpl]

From what I have heard, this is just one stop and the plan is to take it first all the way to Goa and then down to Kerala.

I guess, if the operations are good and ship runs to capacity, they may start broadening the roads.

[ruzbehxyz]

Originally Posted by amrutmhatre90

My main question is, will the RO-RO ferry be feasible ?
People traveling from anywhere in Mumbai would take approximately 1 hour to reach near the ferry, add getting in it with a vehicle would take 15-20 mins. Traveling to mandva 1.15-1.30 mins. Again taking out the vehicle from Ro-Ro would be 20-30 mins. Roads near mandva are super small and 2 lane, can cause a traffic jam. Add 10-20 or more kms drive from mandva to place you wanna go.

In the end all this shouldn't sum up to 3 hours if they want to make this a alternative way for Alibag. For fun and one of a kind journey this would be excellent. This is good option for bikes, but for cars I doubt.

+1. RoRo service feasible? I dont think so. Initially there will be a rush and then when the things settle down, there will be few takers only on weekends. The roads from Panvel to Alibaug are under construction and most of it has been completed with flyovers. Driving down from South Mumbai would take the same time eventually and more economic on the pocket.

[Rehaan]

Originally Posted by TusharK

...has reportedly set sail from Greece and it is expected to arrive in Mumbai by February 12, 2020.

The new ferry seems to be here already, and out for testing:

Received as a whatsapp forward.

[MadTitan47]

Update:

Mumbai's first ro-ro capable ferry ordered from Greece has been 'shipped' and was expected to be delivered by 12th Feb according to this media report.

The operations are expected to begin from Feb end. The ferry has capacity to carry 500 passengers and 180 cars. Passengers will be charged Rs. 235/- and cars will be charged between 1000/- to 1500/- rupees. The journey will take around 50 to 60 minutes.

https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/...w/74049911.cms

Is it really a game changer?
At present, it takes around 3.5 hrs to drive from Gate way of India to Alibaug beach. With the Ro-Ro service, travel time is expected to be around 1 hr. It takes around 45 minutes to reach Alibaug beach from Mandwa jetty. I have never used a Ro-Ro service before, but as I guess it may take around 30 minutes for loading, unloading of the ferry at source and destination each. That is 1hr+ 45 minutes+30 minutes+30 minutes=2 hrs 45 minutes.

Then add the time of travelling to Gate way of India from your home, time to purchase ticket etc.

[Tejas@perioimpl]

Originally Posted by Rehaan

The new ferry seems to be here already, and out for testing:
Attachment 1970105
Received as a whatsapp forward.

Yes that's correct.

Here's a video of a "sail around" of the new ferry:

https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumb...ia-from-greece

[RM Motorsports]

Some interior photos of the Mumbai-Mandwa Roro ferry.

[Tejas@perioimpl]

Just received this as a forwarded message on WhatsApp:

Mumbai-Alibaug Ro-Ro ferry fare slabs unveiled
The fares, which were finalised on Monday, will be Rs 220 for general class, Rs 330 for AC class and Rs 550 for the luxury class. Car fares are also categorised into three slabs, depending on the size of the vehicles — Rs 1,100, Rs 1,500 and Rs 1,900.

[Tejas@perioimpl]

The service was officially launched.

https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/...w/74635394.cms

However, no details on google search for any bookings etc

[MileCruncher]

Its my understanding that the starting point is Princess Docks (Bhaucha Dhaka) on the Mumbai side. This will make it convenient for mid-towners as well as folks from suburbs to explore this as a convenient option.

However the cost for the car ticket has to make sense vis-à-vis fuel prices else this will remain a hardly used premium service.

Would like to know more details on timings, how to book tickets et al.

[libranof1987]

Originally Posted by Tejas@perioimpl

However, no details on google search for any bookings etc

This is their website: http://www.m2mferries.com/

Turns out, the ferry is suspended at the moment because of the Corona situation.

https://snapwidget.com/v/ib/17850128.../?src=BXdreR3n

[RM Motorsports]

Special Introductory Pricing as of now.

However in the light of the current situation they are doing limited sails, keeping all safety protocols in mind.