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After nearly 40 years, the passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka is gearing up to restart operations on May 13, following a brief pause soon after its relaunch in October 2023. Managed by a new operator, IndSri Ferry Services Private Limited, the service promises a seamless travel experience for passengers seeking to cross the Palk Strait.
Initially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a virtual ceremony on October 14 last year, the ferry service faced a setback when the HSC Cheriyapani, operated by the Shipping Corporation of India under KPVS Private Limited, suspended operations due to monsoon conditions just a week later. However, after a hiatus of six months, the service is poised to resume, with IndSri Ferry Services taking the helm, operating the vessel named 'Sivagangai'.
S Niranjan Nanthagopan, the managing director of IndSri Ferry Services, has confirmed that the service will be available daily, with online ticket sales commencing on Monday. Passengers can book their voyages from May 13 to November 15 through the company's website sailindsri.com. The ticket fare for a one-way journey from Nagapattinam to Kankesanthurai is USD 50 plus taxes (approximately ₹4,920), with the same pricing structure for the return trip.
In addition to the affordable fares, passengers are permitted to carry up to 60 kg of baggage on board without any extra charges. Moreover, they have the flexibility to change their travel date up to 72 hours before the scheduled departure, with full refunds available for cancellations during the specified period.
The Nagapattinam-Kankesanthurai route holds significance as it connects two coastal towns separated by the Palk Strait. Kankesanthurai, located in the Jaffna district of northern Sri Lanka, is renowned for its scenic beauty and serves as a popular resort destination for tourists visiting the region. Covering approximately 60 nautical miles, the ferry service provides a convenient and cost-effective means of transportation between the two countries.
The revival of the passenger ferry service marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka, especially considering its historical context. The service, which was discontinued due to the Sri Lankan Civil War, has now been reinstated, fostering greater connectivity and cultural exchange between the two nations.
As the ferry service prepares to recommence operations, passengers can look forward to a safe and comfortable journey aboard the 'Sivagangai'. With stringent safety measures in place and a commitment to customer satisfaction, IndSri Ferry Services aims to provide a memorable travel experience for passengers traversing the Nagapattinam-Kankesanthurai route.
The resumption of the passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai represents a positive development for both countries, offering travelers a convenient and affordable mode of transportation across the Palk Strait. With the promise of daily sailings, competitive fares, and hassle-free booking procedures, the service is poised to cater to the needs of passengers seeking to explore the beauty of coastal India and Sri Lanka.
