PM Modi-Led Cabinet Paves Way For Ferry Services To Maldives From Kerala’s Kochi

The Union Cabinet headed by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Wednesday (3 July) gave an ex-post facto approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Maldives for the establishment of passenger and cargo services by the sea, reports Asian News International (ANI).

The approval would lead to the establishment of a ferry service between the two nations which would contribute in a big way to promote people to people contact and to boost bilateral trade, said a statement issued on Wednesday.

The statement further noted that Kulhudhuffushi, the third most populous city of Maldives has good prospects for the introduction of ferry services from Kochi for both tourists as well as for cargo operations.

Giving the approval, the Cabinet is of the view that the connectivity with Kochi through sea could promote inbound tourism, particularly health and wellness tourism in India. It also took notice of the fact that a large number of Maldivians travel to Kerala and other South Indian cities for educational purposes.