India and Sri Lanka Restart Ferry Service Between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai
The passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, India, and Kankesanthurai (KKS) in Sri Lanka has resumed, according to the Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka.
The ferry named ‘Sivagangai’ completed its first trip from Nagapattinam to KKS, marking a significant step in enhancing maritime connectivity and fostering people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The service, initially launched on October 14, 2023, was briefly halted due to adverse weather conditions. The high-speed ferry, operated by the Shipping Corporation of India, has a capacity of 150 passengers and covers approximately 60 nautical miles (110 km) in about 3.5 hours, depending on sea conditions.
Both the Indian and Sri Lankan governments have invested in upgrading facilities at the Nagapattinam and KKS ports to support this service. The announcement of the ferry service was made during Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to India in July 2023. Both governments are also working towards starting ferry services between other ports, including the traditional route between Rameswaram and Talaimannar.
Geshan Dissanayake, Minister Commercial of Sri Lanka’s High Commission in India, mentioned in July that the ferry service from Nagapattinam to Kankesanthurai would resume and that repairs are being made to the Talaimannar Pier for future services.
Doubts Revealed
Nagapattinam -: Nagapattinam is a coastal town in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is known for its port and fishing activities.
Kankesanthurai -: Kankesanthurai, often abbreviated as KKS, is a port town in the northern part of Sri Lanka. It is an important location for maritime activities.
Ferry -: A ferry is a boat or ship that carries people, vehicles, and goods across a body of water. In this case, it carries passengers between India and Sri Lanka.
Sivagangai -: Sivagangai is the name of the ferry that is used for the service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai. It can carry 150 passengers.
Maritime connectivity -: Maritime connectivity refers to the transportation links and routes over the sea. It helps in connecting different countries and regions through water routes.
Shipping Corporation of India -: The Shipping Corporation of India is a government-owned company that operates ships and ferries. It manages the ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai.
Nautical miles -: A nautical mile is a unit of distance used in maritime and air navigation. It is equal to about 1.85 kilometers. The ferry covers 60 nautical miles in its journey.
