In a move that could offer relief to travelers weary of highway congestion, Konkan Railway is considering an experimental initiative to ferry private vehicles—such as cars and SUVs—onboard train wagons. This pilot project is slated to coincide with the upcoming Ganpati festival, a peak travel period in the region.
The initiative aims to provide an alternative to the frequently jammed Konkan highway by enabling private vehicle owners to load their cars onto special train wagons, similar to the service currently available for trucks. Truck drivers typically ride along in their vehicles, and the same model could potentially apply to private car owners.
“This is a promising idea, and we’re certainly looking into it,” said Girish Karandikar, Chief Public Relations Officer of Konkan railway. “We’ve been transporting trucks this way for quite some time. Now, we’re exploring the feasibility of extending this to private vehicles as well.”
“If successful, the initiative could offer a more convenient and efficient travel alternative along the scenic yet heavily congested Konkan route,” said an official. He added that many Mumbaikars avoid driving their own cars during the festive season due to the severe traffic on the highways.
Transport experts have also welcomed the idea. "This is a very good idea. However, the timings should be such that they are reasonably convenient for users. It's also important to consider where the vehicles will be loaded and unloaded, and the timings for those operations. While truck drivers can stay in their cabs for long durations, car drivers traveling with their families will need to be accommodated in regular passenger coaches—preferably air-conditioned—to make the journey along with their vehicles. If organised appropriately, it's a strong and practical idea," said Jagdeep Desai, noted transport expert.
“This is a smart and timely move by Konkan Railway,” said Mohammed Afzal, another transport expert. “During festivals like Ganpati, the Mumbai-Goa highway turns into a traffic nightmare. Offering travelers the option to load their personal vehicles onto a train not only eases road congestion but also enhances safety and comfort—especially for families with elders or children. In Goa, having your own vehicle is a necessity, and this initiative removes the stress of long drives or the unpredictability of rentals.”
