After a brief hiatus, the much-anticipated passenger ferry service between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka is poised to resume operations, promising to rejuvenate cross-border travel and foster stronger ties between the two nations. Scheduled to recommence on May 13, this service marks a significant milestone in maritime connectivity between India and Sri Lanka, offering a convenient and scenic mode of transportation for travelers.
The ferry route, which connects Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu to Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka, initially began in October 2023 after nearly four decades of dormancy. However, its revival was cut short just days after its inauguration, purportedly due to adverse weather conditions associated with the monsoon season. Now, after a six-month hiatus, the service is set to relaunch, promising uninterrupted voyages between the two shores.
This time, the reins of operation have been handed over to IndSri Ferry Services Private Limited, a Chennai-based travel operator. The company brings with it a wealth of experience and expertise in managing international travel services, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey for passengers. The vessel designated for this route, the ‘Sivagangai’, will ply the waters daily, offering travelers greater flexibility and convenience in planning their trips.
Online ticket sales for the ferry service will commence on Monday, providing travelers with easy access to bookings through the company’s website, sailindsri.com. The pricing for a one-way ticket from Nagapattinam to Kankesanthurai is set at USD 50 plus taxes (approximately ₹4,920), with the same rate applicable for the return journey. Additionally, passengers are entitled to carry up to 60 kg of baggage on board without incurring additional charges, further enhancing the convenience of travel.
In a move aimed at accommodating changing travel plans, passengers are granted the flexibility to modify their date of travel up to 72 hours before the scheduled departure, ensuring minimal inconvenience in unforeseen circumstances. Moreover, the company offers a full refund option for cancellations made within the specified period, underscoring its commitment to customer satisfaction and service excellence.
The resumption of the passenger ferry service between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka holds immense promise for both tourists and locals alike, offering a unique opportunity to explore the cultural and scenic wonders of these neighboring regions. Beyond its practical utility as a mode of transportation, this service symbolizes the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, fostering greater people-to-people exchanges and economic opportunities for both nations.
As travelers eagerly await the reopening of this vital maritime link, the stage is set for a new chapter in cross-border connectivity, one that promises to redefine the way people traverse the waters between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. With enhanced convenience, affordability, and flexibility, the passenger ferry service stands as a testament to the spirit of collaboration and progress that characterizes the relationship between these two maritime neighbors.
