Three Sri Lanka companies have shown interest in launching a ferry service between South India (Puducherry) and Kankesanthurai (KKS), which is expected to commence in January/February 2023.
Two more ferry services from Puducherry to Trincomalee and Puducherry-Colombo too are to be launched next year increasing the maritime connectivity between the two countries.
The local companies have also tied up with business their counterparts in South India to begin marketing activities for the first ferry service, an official of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation said.
“There are many quality passenger boats that are used in India and the local operators are also looking at entering into a joint venture with them to lease these passenger ships to the Sri Lanka operation,” he said. They plan to have daily ferry services and the new service
will carry 300 to 400 passengers per trip that will take about 3 ½ hrs. The distance between the two destinations is 56 nautical miles. The one-way fare is expected to be around US$ 60 per passenger and they will be permitted to carry 100 kg of luggage. Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva said that the Indian Government has extended consent for the service.
The Minister also met the local ferry owners’ operators last week to discuss this proposal. The operators requested the Minister to increase and upgrade the infrastructure facilities at the Ports to meet the demand of the passenger segment.
The Minister instructed the Secretary the Ministry to take immediate steps to develop infrastructure related to Customs, Immigration and Emigration and other facilities at the Sri Lankan Ports according to the government procurement procedures. The Ministry Secretary K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, Immigration and Emigration Department Controller I.S.H.J. Ilukpitiya, and officials were also present.
The Indian Government too has provided financial aid to develop the KKS harbour. “The new service is also expected to have a positive impact on Northern Tourism generating foreign exchange,” the official said.