Resumption Of Passenger Ferry Service Between India And Sri Lanka Delayed Indefinitely

The resumption of the passenger ferry service between the port town of Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and Kankensanthurai, a resort hub in Jaffna district of northern Sri Lanka has been delayed again for an indefinite period.

Initially slated to resume on 13 May, the service was delayed due to an undisclosed "technical shortcoming", Sri Lankan Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said on Wednesday.

It may be recalled that the much-anticipated ferry service between India and Sri Lanka commenced on 14 October last year after nearly four decades, only to be suspended a few days later owing to rough weather.

Since then, the resumption of the ferry service, a crucial component of India-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation, has been postponed three times.

The high-speed ferry, connecting Nagapattinam to Kankensanthurai covers a distance of 111 kilometres (60 nautical miles) in approximately three and a half hours. depending on sea conditions.

The ferry service will be operated by a private operator, IndSri Ferry Services, selected by the Shipping Corporation of India in consultation with the Government of Sri Lanka.

A direct passenger ferry between Sri Lanka and India provides an efficient and cost-effective means of travel for the people of the two countries, boost tourism and trade links and strengthen people-to people ties. The ferry will also enhance economic activity around the two ports and invigorate local economies.