Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Maharashtra Reviews ₹4 Crore Ferry Plan for Sindhudurg Connectivity
Maharashtra is considering a new ferry service in Sindhudurg district.
Ferries would help people travel across waterways more quickly.
The first trial route would connect Kerlai and Tarkarli.
That trip currently takes about 1.5 to two hours by road.
By ferry, it could take around 15 minutes.
The proposed ferry could carry people, cars, and motorcycles.
Companies and officials are discussing how to build and operate the service.
Surveys will be completed before the project is finalised.
Minister Nitesh Rane reviewed a proposal for modern ferry services in Sindhudurg district.
Five routes are proposed, with Kerlai-Tarkarli selected for an initial pilot service.
The pilot could cut road travel time of 1.5–2 hours to about 15 minutes by water.
The ferry project may use BOO, BOT or PPP models and require around ₹4 crore.
Officials will survey routes, jetties, tides, water depth, and passenger and vehicle demand before launch.
- Who
- Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Development Minister and Sindhudurg Guardian Minister Nitesh Rane, along with officials and private companies.
- What
- A proposal to build, operate and maintain modern ferry services on five Sindhudurg routes was reviewed.
- When
- September 7, 2026.
- Where
- Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra, including the proposed Kerlai-Tarkarli pilot route.
- Why
- To improve inland water connectivity and support tourism, local transportation, employment, shipbuilding and marine engineering.
- Proposed investment
- Around ₹4 crore
- Pilot route
- Kerlai-Tarkarli
- Other proposed routes
- Kali-Devgad; Devbag-Nivati; Vijaydurg-Ansuray-Dande; Aronda-Kiranpani
- Expected pilot travel time
- About 15 minutes by water
- Current road travel time
- Approximately 1.5 to two hours
- Ferry dimensions
- 20 metres long and 7.5 metres wide
- Passenger capacity type
- Passengers, four-wheelers and two-wheelers
- Potential project models
- BOO, BOT or PPP