A roll on-roll off cum passengerferry service, also called 'Ropax', between Mumbai and Mandwa near Alibaug, was launched on Sunday in the presence of Union Minister of State for Shipping Mansukh Mandaviya and Maharashtra port and maritime board officials.The launch ceremony was a low-key one due to state government restrictions on such mass gatherings in view of the novel coronavirus outbreak, said officials.The vessel, built in Greece, can carry 200 cars and 1000 passengers, and is capable of plying even during monsoon, officials said."It can reach speeds of 14 knots and will complete the 18-kilometre sea journey in 45 minutes to one hour. The road distance between Mumbai and Mandwa is 110 kilometres and can take anything between three to four hours," an official said.While Mumbai Port Trust built the jetty facilities at Ferry Wharf in the metropolis at a cost of Rs 31 crore, the ropax jetty and terminal at Mandwa has been built by Maharashtra Maritime Board at a cost of Rs 135 crore, said officials.In a message, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said the new service would be a milestone for the state, and informed that a similar facility was planned between Nerul and Belapur in Navi Mumbai, as well as Bhayander and Dombivali, the latter expected to start in two years after getting the final nod.Water transport will boost tourism and employment, Thackeray said.A Mumbai Port Trust release said around 15 lakh people travel annually on catamarans and boats from Gateway of India and Mandwa and the new service will help them make the journey in eco-friendly comfort.
