Savarkar Warriors and Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad demand affordable Mumbai-Sindhudurg passenger water transport during Kankavli press conference
Kankavli, Maharashtra – Passenger water transport (Mumbai–Sindhudurg Ro-Ro Service) must not remain restricted merely to the affluent, but should be made operational for ordinary citizens as well at the earliest. This demand was raised during a joint press conference held at the Government Rest House on 9 September by Shri. Ranjit Savarkar, head of ‘Savarkar Warriors’—a non-governmental organisation dedicated to social causes guided by the ideals of Veer Savarkar—and President of the ‘Swatantryaveer Savarkar National Memorial’, alongside Shri. Vikram Bhave of the Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad.
The press conference was jointly organised by ‘Savarkar Warriors’ and the ‘Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad’. Present on the occasion were Advocate Virendra Ichalkaranjikar, President of the Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad; Shri. Hemant Manerikar and Shri. Rajendra Patil of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti; and Sadguru Satyawan Kadam of Sanatan Sanstha.
Why is Konkan still waiting for passenger water transport? “It shouldn’t be a luxury only for the rich.”
Savarkar Warriors & Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad demand affordable services. With 15 lakh Konkan residents in Mumbai & 10–12 lakh travelling during festivals, make it a priority pic.twitter.com/fPPS5TBlFT
— Sanatan Prabhat (Kannada) (@Sanatan_Prabhat) September 9, 2026
Key points raised by Shri. Ranjit Savarkar
- The British extensively exploited waterways to conduct and expand their commerce; however, to ensure that the revolutionary-minded people of Konkan could not reach the proximity of Mumbai, they deliberately hindered the development of passenger water transport. The present government is following in the footsteps of the British.
- The demand for Konkan Railway was fulfilled only after sustained agitations by the people of Konkan. Approximately 1.5 million people from Konkan have settled in Mumbai. During Ganeshotsav and various temple fairs (yatras), around 1 to 1.2 million citizens travel to Konkan. All these individuals rely on trains, state transport (ST) buses, private luxury buses, and personal vehicles when visiting Konkan for festivals and celebrations.
- Developing ports will benefit Konkan across multiple fronts, including tourism, market growth, and overall connectivity. In the neighbouring state of Gujarat, passenger water transport is operating successfully between Hazira and Ghogha. Numerous maritime nations across the world are operating passenger water transport effectively today. A few years ago, passenger water transport services such as ‘Konkan Shakti’, ‘Konkan Sevak’, and ‘Damania Catamaran’ were active in Maharashtra; however, Maharashtra, despite progressing in other sectors, appears to have lagged behind in this domain.
Key points raised by Shri. Vikram Bhave
- Water transport is significantly cheaper and more environmentally friendly compared to air, rail, and road transport. According to data from the Union Ministry of Commerce, road transport costs ₹3.78 per tonne per kilometre, rail transport costs ₹1.96 per tonne per kilometre, whereas water transport costs merely ₹1.80 per tonne per kilometre. Is the idea of water transport being sidelined simply to safeguard road construction contracts? Moreover, rail travel receives subsidies, making it affordable for the common public. In a similar manner, water travel could also be subsidised, at least for a transitional period.
- This approach would save substantial expenditure on railway tracks, platforms, and related infrastructure, while also curtailing costs incurred on road construction, widening, and maintenance. Therefore, providing such subsidies or having the government directly run ferry services through a public sector undertaking would be both practical and economically viable.
Affirming the gravity of the issue, Dr Ravikant Narkar of the ‘Surajya Abhiyan’ stated that they would persistently pursue this demand through their campaign.
Start water transport for common public – Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad urges Maharashtra Govt
August 12, 2026
Mumbai – Despite being cheaper and more environmentally friendly than air, rail, and road transport, the State Government continues to ignore water transport. Whilst the government spends crores of rupees on road construction, land acquisition, and bridge building, natural waterways are not being utilised for passenger transit. Given the growing population and the heavy pressure on road and rail networks, the government must stop restricting waterways to luxury ‘cruise tourism’ for the wealthy and introduce passenger water transport for common citizens.
This appeal was made by the Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad. Advocate Virendra Ichalkaranjikar, National President of the Parishad, has sent a detailed representation regarding this matter to the Home Secretary (Ports and Transport) and the Maharashtra Maritime Board.
Cost advantages and overburdened Konkan routes
According to a report by the Union Ministry of Commerce, the cost of road transport is ₹3.78 per kilometre, whilst rail transport costs ₹1.96 per kilometre. In contrast, water transport incurs a cost of just ₹1.80 per kilometre. This economical alternative has become essential, particularly for the residents of Konkan. At present, most trains plying through the Konkan route originate from far-off destinations such as Delhi and Chennai, meaning they are already fully booked. Local residents face severe struggles to secure space even in general unreserved compartments. Consequently, citizens from other states benefit far more from these services than the local population. Given the immense congestion on the Konkan Railway, introducing a water transport alternative would make travel significantly more comfortable for Konkan residents, Advocate Ichalkaranjikar stated in the letter.
Ignoring proven waterway transport
Since water transport costs less than half of road travel, neighbouring Gujarat has successfully launched its ‘Hazira to Ghogha’ passenger water transport service. Furthermore, passenger boats operating at speeds of 58 knots are functioning in South America. A few years ago, Maharashtra itself operated passenger water services such as ‘Konkan Shakti’, ‘Konkan Sevak’, and ‘Damania Catamaran’. However, whilst Maharashtra progressed in other sectors, it lagged behind in this domain and failed to maintain even its existing infrastructure.
Road and bridge construction projects line the pockets of contractors, whilst involved parties also secure a share through toll collection. In the representation, the Parishad raised a pertinent question as to whether water transport is being deliberately neglected due to these underlying financial interests.
Key recommendations for coastal connectivity
Against this backdrop, the Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad has placed key demands before the government. A ‘Ro-Pax’ passenger water transport service from Mumbai to Mangaluru (Karnataka) must be launched within a fixed timeframe, and an affordable travel scheme should be formulated for common citizens with immediate action taken upon it. Whilst the government’s efforts to develop ports for commercial trade are welcome, initiating passenger water transport will ensure these ports are fully utilised. This will allow everyday commuters to enjoy affordable and pollution-free journeys. Therefore, the Parishad expects the government to give top priority to this demand.
