- This ultra-modern, luxurious high-speed craft, built under the IRS flag, will reduce the travel time from 5:50 hours to less than 3 hours
- The HSC craft, expected to be operational by January 2023, will ferry 260 passengers, 20 cars and 11 bikes from Mumbai ferry warf to Kashid and Dighi, Raigad
- Shriwarhan resort will be accessible in 3:30 hours from Mumbai through Ropax and 45 minutes by chopper from Juhu
NE BUISNESS BUREAU
MUMBAI, JULY 14
Redefining travel and tourism in the Konkan region will he Ropax vessel “Kokan Gaurav.” It will run between Mumbai ferry warf and Kashid, Dighi in Raigad. It is Asia’s 1st high-speed craft (HSC2000) Ropax Vessel in India and is being built in Goa by Gaurav Cruises Pvt. Ltd.
This ultra-modern, luxurious high-speed craft, built under the IRS flag, will reduce the travel time from 5:50 hours to less than 3 hours, travelling 49 nautical miles, and will be the safest mode of transport in the region. The HSC craft, expected to be operational by January 2023, will ferry 260 passengers, 20 cars and 11 bikes from the ferry warf and will have A/C, Business and VIP classes. It will be a multi-purpose vessel for logistics, travel, tourism and entertainment.
Many senior dignitaries from the Mumbai Port Trust, Maharashtra Maritime Board, the Directorate General of Shipping, and the Indian Registrar of Shipping graced the occasion.
Commenting on this, Gautam Pradhan, Director, Gaurav Cruises Pvt. Ltd. said that he was guided and supported by all the government authorities to make this project a possibility in spite of multiple challenges. He further added that this Ropax will be a role model for others to follow. With the ambition to make tourism in Konkan of international standards, he said that his resort in Shriwarhan will be accessible in 3.30 hours from Mumbai through Ropax and 45 minutes by chopper from Juhu. This is the only resort in India that would be connected by all the 3 means of transport land, water and helicopter.
Pushkar Bendre, Director, Gaurav Cruises Pvt. Ltd., said, “This high Ropax speed craft (HSC) will change the way to travel in western parts of Maharashtra and will bring a much needed change in the travel to Kokan region. This Ropax will serve the western parts of Maharashtra to start with Kashid and Dighi.”
