The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) will commence a high-speed passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and Kankesanthurai (KKS) by the first week of October.
The service covering around 60 nautical miles will start from the Nagapattinam mini port, maritime sources said. Each ferry will carry around 150 passengers. The Tamil Nadu Maritime Board and the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways will start the ferry service.
“The port channel is being dredged and the passenger terminal is being set up at the Nagapattinam port.
The work will be completed ahead of the commencement of the ferry service,” said an official of the Indian Ministry of Ports. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will handle the service as it deals with international travel.
Indian Minister for Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports, E.V. Velu on Wednesday inspected the progress of work at the Nagapattinam mini port.
The minister said, “The service will be beneficial for the education, health, commerce and tourism sectors of Sri Lankans and Indians. The cultural exchange and economics in Tamil Nadu delta districts will develop manifold.”
This will complement Alliance Air’s four weekly ATR flights from Chennai to Colombo.
– New Indian Express
