On Saturday, a long-anticipated ferry service between India and Sri Lanka was inaugurated, marking a pivotal progress in the diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries. The launch of this service took place between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, India, and Kankensanthurai (KKS) in the Jaffna district of northern Sri Lanka, which had been in the planning stages for 12 years. This progress is important as ferry services, which once made the movement of people, trade, and goods between the two countries for centuries easier, were suspended in the 1980s because of security reasons.
The launch program was presided by Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Tamil Nadu’s Public Works, Highways, and Minor Ports’ Minister E.V. Velu, underscoring the collaborative efforts of both nations. The service, operated by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), utilizes a high-speed craft named Cheriyapani. This vessel, previously deployed between Anthroth in Lakshadweep and Beypore in Kerala, can accommodate up to 150 passengers along with a 14-member crew.
The ferry covers a distance of approximately 60 nautical miles (110 kilometers) between Nagapattinam and KKS in about 3.5 hours, depending on sea conditions. To make this service a reality, the Indian government supported the upgrading of facilities at the Nagapattinam port, while the Sri Lankan government created the necessary infrastructure at the KKS port.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the launch in a virtual mode, emphasized the importance of this renewed ferry service, stating that it would strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between India and Sri Lanka. He also noted that it would revive historical and cultural links between the two nations. Modi highlighted that the ferry service’s reinstatement aligns with their joint vision document for economic partnership.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who flagged off the ferry service, stressed that connectivity is a central theme of this partnership. It enhances trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties, creating opportunities for the youth of both countries. The minister also mentioned the commitment of the Modi government to people-centric policies, including support for housing projects, cultural centers, and hospitals in Sri Lanka.
This new ferry service rekindles connectivity that was lost when the Indo-Ceylon Express or Board Mail, which used to operate between Chennai and Colombo via Thoothukudi port, was discontinued in 1982 because of the civil war in Sri Lanka. With the re-establishment of this maritime link, trade and tourism between India and Sri Lanka are expected to receive a boost, creating opportunities for economic growth in the region.
The ferry service is expected to directly facilitate cargo services and support small businesses. It will significantly enhance connectivity between southern India and the northern part of Sri Lanka for travel and tourism. The ferry will have a much shorter travel time of 3-4 hours and lower fares compared to the earlier ferry services between Tuticorin and Colombo.
