News
India-Sri Lanka ferry service helps religious and business visitors
View(s):By S. Rubatheesan
With the annual festival of Nallur Kandaswamy temple currently underway, the recently resumed passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanturai (KKS) saw a sharp increase in the number of visitors across the Palk Strait.
After months-long administrative and technical delays, the much-anticipated passenger ferry service “Sivagangai” resumed operations on August 16.
-
- the much-anticipated passenger ferry service “Sivagangai” resumed operations on August 16
Run by a private operator, IndSri Ferry Services, the ferry service completed its maiden journey between Nagapattinam and KKS in approximately four hours, with around 50 passengers on board.
Jude Sharown, a customer care agent attached to the local ticketing agent attached to the Metro Voyage, told the Sunday Times that the operator has introduced a discounted Rs 31,100 return trip fare until September 15 in view of the Nallur Kandaswamy temple festival.
“We have seen a sharp increase in the number of people in early bookings, with over 50 people booked for the next journey scheduled for 25, while over 35 reserved tickets from Nagapattinam so far,” he said.
Currently, passengers can travel with baggage weighing 20 kilos along with hand luggage of 3 kilos. The ferry service is run three days a week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. For first-time travellers, an Indian sticker visa is required to enter at Nagapattinam port or a valid e-visa that was already used to enter.
Those who obtained a fresh Indian e-visa will not be able to travel due to passport regulations imposed by Indian authorities, according to the ticketing agent.
Those who wish to bring additional baggage weighing 40 kilos from Nagapattinam will be required to pay Rs 4,000 in taxes to Indian authorities.
Among those who are travelling frequently, in addition to religious devotees, are business persons who are eager to develop and expand their business operations between the two countries.
Welcoming the resumption of the passenger ferry service, President of the Jaffna Chamber of Commerce R. Jeyasegaran urged the authorities to launch cargo shipping services as well in the future since it would be beneficial for regional business communities across the Palk Straits.
“What we want to stress is that it has to be a continued operation so local business persons can invest and expand their business activities in the future,” Mr. Jeyasegaran said.
To make the ferry service more affordable for passengers, both countries have also come up with financial assistance and a reduction of relevant levies.
While the Indian Government has decided to provide financial assistance of over Rs 25 million per month, for a period of one year, to cover relevant charges and operating costs at Nagapattinam port, the government has reduced the deviation tax currently charged to passengers leaving Sri Lanka by passenger vessels and ships.
India has also extended grant assistance of USD 63.65 million for the rehabilitation of the KKS Harbour, which was earlier envisaged to be undertaken under a Line of Credit.
“This is in line with India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and its journey towards progress and prosperity, in close partnership with India,” according to a statement issued by the Indian High Commission in Colombo on the resumption of the ferry service.
The ferry service was initially launched on October 14 last year, but operations were put on hold due to the North-East monsoon period and technical delays.
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!