A Tale Of Two Ports: Revas and Mandwa
In a tale of two ports, the timeless village port in Raigad's Revas finds itself grappling with a fading glory while the state-of-the-art Mandwa Port emerges as a beacon of transformation and prosperity, writes Nithya Shetty
As the once-reliable Revas continues to ferry passengers in rickety launches from nearby Mumbai's Bhaucha Dhakka, Mandwa's modern cruises are revolutionizing travel, triggering developments that have shifted the trajectory of fortunes of both the ports.
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| The Mandwa Jetty in Raigad is preferred by most Mumbaikars for offering swift travel options |
Revas Port’s Stagnation
Revas, with its rich historical significance, has regrettably failed to adapt to the changing needs of travellers. Despite its picturesque location, offering highly inconvenient and uncomfortable travel experiences has become its hallmark. Rickety launches and marathon travel durations have deterred tourists, leaving them yearning for alternatives for their coastal getaways.
For those who have witnessed the decline of Revas firsthand, it's disheartening to see a place with such potential remain trapped in the past. Tourists expect convenience, comfort and memorable experiences, none of which Revas has been able to provide in recent years.
A Beacon of Local Resilience Amidst Change
Amidst the changing tides of Revas, a local vendor by the name of Tushar Mokal stands as a symbol of resilience. His humble stall, located right opposite the bustling Revas Jetty, tells a story of stark contrast to the challenges many businesses face in the area.
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| Tushar Mokal selling wares at Revas Jetty |
Tushar, with a warm smile, candidly acknowledges that Revas has witnessed an astonishing 80 per cent drop in business ever since the inception of the cruise services at Mandwa. However, his business remains an exception, largely unaffected by this dramatic shift.
The secret to his continued success lies in his loyal local clientele. While tourists increasingly opt for the convenience of Mandwa Jetty, the Revas Jetty remains a lifeline for the locals, and they continue to throng Tushar's stall.
This resilient entrepreneur, hailing from the village of Phopheri near Alibag, travels daily to serve his customers. Tushar's family has been in this trade for generations, and his mother, Suvarna Mokal, often joins him at the stall.
Tushar's dedication to his craft is remarkable. He knows each of his customers by their first name, a testament to his unwavering commitment to building personal connections. He runs his stall with the acumen of a seasoned entrepreneur, all while upholding his family's cherished tradition of honesty and grace.
The gratitude of his customers is palpable and infectious. In an era of rapid change, Tushar's enduring presence at Revas Jetty is a heartwarming reminder that amidst transformation, the bonds of tradition, community, and genuine service can stand the test of time.
Growth Potential For Locals
The strategic shift in Mandwa's approach to coastal travel has elevated its status as a tourist hub and laid the foundation for rapid development in the area. This is in stark contrast to the economic slump in and around Revas, a situation that desperately needs the attention of local administration.
There has been a distinct positive impact of Mandwa's development on the local economy. New businesses are flourishing, job opportunities are increasing, and the overall quality of life is improving. This transformation has brought renewed hope to the people of Mandwa and the surrounding areas.
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| Revas Jetty in Raigad stands in urgent need of repairs |
Revas Port's decline can be attributed to its failure to adapt to the changing needs of travellers. Inconvenient and uncomfortable travel experiences, including the use of outdated launches, led to a significant drop in tourist interest.
Mandwa Port has introduced modern cruise services that transport passengers from Mumbai quickly and efficiently, including the option to travel by one's own vehicle. This has made coastal travel much more convenient and enjoyable.
While Revas faces challenges, there is potential for its revival. However, it requires a significant overhaul of its infrastructure and services to meet modern travellers' expectations.
The local administration needs to invest in improving Revas' infrastructure, including updating transportation options and enhancing tourist facilities. They should also promote tourism in the zone and ensure fair pricing by addressing malpractice in the region.
Other coastal regions can learn the importance of adapting to changing traveller needs and investing in modern infrastructure to drive tourism and economic growth.
In a tale of two ports, Revas and Mandwa represent a stark contrast in how ports can shape their destinies. While Revas grapples with stagnation and missed opportunities, Mandwa's rapid development serves as a shining example of transformation and prosperity. The choice is clear: adapt and thrive, or remain stuck in the past.
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