Ferry service between Tamil Nadu and Tamil Eelam steps up as demand increases

by admin
Sep 12, 2024

Due to increased demand, the passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and Kankesanthurai (KKS) in Tamil Eelam will now operate four times a week starting from September 21, 2024.

Initially launched with daily sailings, the service had been reduced to three days a week due to lower-than-expected bookings. However, with rising demand, an additional Saturday sailing has been added, signalling improved connectivity between Tamil Nadu and the Tamil homeland in thr North-East. The ferry will now run on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

This increase in frequency reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime links between Tamil Nadu and Tamil Eelam, creating greater opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange. It also underscores India's deepening business interest in the Tamil homeland.

To further support the service, the Indian government has committed financial assistance of over LKR 25 million per month for one year to cover operational costs at Nagapattinam port, ensuring the success of this initiative.

According to the Indian High Commission, the resumption of this ferry service is "a testament to the broader effort to enhance maritime connectivity between India and Sri Lanka." The financial assistance from the Indian government aims to ensure the smooth operation of the ferry and bolster cross-border connectivity.

“Connectivity undoubtedly is the central pillar of our emerging partnership,” said Santosh Jha, the High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka.

“When I speak of connectivity, I mean all its dimensions—air, maritime, trade, digital, energy, and people-to-people connectivity. Daily flights between Jaffna and Chennai, along with the launch of ferry services between India and Northern Sri Lanka, are some of the latest steps in this direction.”

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