India grants $65 million for KKS port expansion

by admin
Sep 10, 2024

India has granted 65 million USD for the development of Kankesanthurai (KKS) port, Sri Lanka's Minister of Aviation and Shipping, Nimal Siripala de Silva. reportedly told a rally in Jaffna. 

The project includes the construction of a new breakwater, dredging the port to a depth of 30 meters to accommodate deep-draft vessels, and a full renovation of existing port facilities.

This project will increase direct trade between Indian and the Tamil homelands, following in the footsteps of the reinstated ferry ‘Sivagangai’, run by IndSri Ferry Services, and now two airlines; IndiGo and Alliance Air, operating the daily Chennai to Jaffna route.

This investment comes on the back of multiple Indian projects. India has been working on the development of the North-East, including improving connectivity via air and sea; taking control of the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm to integrate Sri Lanka into India's national energy system; and plans to invest over $1 billion in two wind energy projects in Mannar. India is also taking steps exploring an ‘India-Sri Lanka Land Connectivity Corridor’, which would connect Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka via a bridge over the Palk Strait.

The redeveloped KKS port, with a 16 acre spread, is smaller than major Sri Lankan ports like Colombo or Hambantota, but will have a unique and strategic role in the country's port network. Unlike its larger counterparts that focus on container shipping or bulk cargo, KKS Port is being developed as a tourist and passenger port, enhancing connectivity between the Tamil homeland and India. While it won't compete with larger ports in cargo handling, KKS Port will be essential to the development of tourism, trade and the economic development of the North-East.

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