Cheriyapani ferry sets sail, linking India and Sri Lanka

In a momentous occasion that promises to strengthen the bonds between India and Sri Lanka, the “Cheriyapani” high-speed passenger ferry finally made its long-awaited maiden voyage, connecting the ports of Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and Kankesanthuari (KKS) in the Northern Province.

After a delay of nearly six months due to various reasons, the 35-metre-long and 9.6-metre-wide high-speed vessel gracefully arrived at the KKS Port yesterday at 11:30 a.m. after a 3.5 hour journey, having left Nagapattinam around 8 a.m.

India’s Union Ports and Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at the launch of
the service in Nagapattinam

It was flagged off by Indian Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, watched via Zoom by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.

Around 50 eager Indian passengers disembarked from the “Cheriyapani,” ready to embark on a new journey of convenience and connectivity.

Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva warmly received them at KKS. A poignant plaque exchange ceremony was held to commemorate this landmark occasion, marking the significance of the renewed passenger ferry service.

Operated by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), the “Cheriyapani” passenger ship boasts a capacity of 150 passengers and promises a luxurious voyage. A single one-way trip from Nagapattinam to KKS is priced at Rs. 26,750, and a round trip costs Rs. 53,500. Each passenger is entitled to carry up to 50 kg of goods, double the amount allowed by airlines, ensuring convenience for travellers.

Asha Agencies Ltd, a Sri Lankan shipping agency, is responsible for the ferry service’s operations and marketing from the Sri Lankan end.

To facilitate ticket sales for eager passengers, the company has appointed a General Sales Agent (GSA) in Jaffna, making access to this remarkable service even more convenient. Tickets can also be booked online. This service is likely to complement Alliance Air’s daily flights from Chennai to Colombo.

Ports Authority

Adding to the allure of this new venture, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has invested Rs. 450 million in building a state-of-the-art passenger terminal with all modern facilities, ensuring a seamless experience for travellers, encompassing Immigration, Customs, and health services, all within the terminal’s perimetres.

The initiation of the passenger ferry service resulted from fruitful discussions between the Ports and Aviation Ministry of Sri Lanka and India’s Ports Ministry.

Both nations are committed to fostering stronger ties and connectivity and this service is a testament to their cooperation and mutual growth.

After a thorough inspection of the facilities in the “Cheriyapani” passenger vessel by officials and operators, it embarked on its return journey to Nagapattinam at 2:30 p.m. marking the successful launch of the service.

Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, who was instrumental in bringing this dream to reality, expressed his delight at the strengthened friendship between the people of India and Sri Lanka.

He said that this service would significantly bolster trade and business in Jaffna. It will also make the Dambadiva pilgrimage to Buddhist places of worship in India more accessible. The service’s affordability is also likely to attract tour operators, enabling budget travellers from Tamil Nadu and other parts of India to explore prominent places of worship in Colombo and southern Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan pilgrims will have improved access to pilgrimage sites like Nagapattinam, Velankanni, Nagore, Thirunallar and beyond, including the historic temple cities of Madurai, Thanjavur, and Tiruchi.

Enduring bonds

Before the war erupted in 1982, two ferry services operated between India and Sri Lanka. One operated from Colombo to Tuticorin while the other one linked Rameswaram and Talaimannar.

Passengers from Chennai would board the Boat Mail Express at the Egmore railway station to reach Rameshwaram, where they would transfer to the ferry. The journey from there to Talaimannar, conducted on a coal-powered steam ferry, typically took around two hours.

Prominent figures attending this historic launch included Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda, Ports, Shipping, Aviation Ministry Secretary K. D. S Ruwanchandra, and Sri Lanka Ports Authority Vice Chairman Gayan Alagewatta.

In a world increasingly interconnected, the “Cheriyapani” passenger ferry service stands as a symbol of the enduring bonds between India and Sri Lanka, promising to open new doors for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

As the ferry sets sail, it ushers in a new era of connectivity and shared prosperity, strengthening the ties between these two nations with a rich history and a promising future.