India-Sri Lanka Ferry Service Nagapattinam to Kankesanthurai Resumes
The passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, India, and Kankesanthurai (KKS) near Jaffna in Sri Lanka's Northern Province resumed operations on August 16, 2024.
The passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, India, and Kankesanthurai (KKS) near Jaffna in Sri Lanka's Northern Province resumed operations on August 16, 2024. The service was initially launched in October 2023, was orginally shedule to be restart on May.
The ferry, named 'Sivagangai' and operated by IndSri Ferry Services, completed its inaugural journey in approximately four hours, carrying around 50 passengers.
The 'Sivagangai' offers a total of 160 seats, with 133 in the ordinary class and 27 in the premium class. Ticket prices for a one-way journey are set at LKR 16,500 (INR 5,000 ) for economy class and about LKR 26,250 (INR 7,500) for premium economy class. Passengers are allowed to carry up to 60 kg in check-in luggage and 5 kg in hand baggage.
To make the ferry service more affordable and sustainable, the Government of India is providing financial assistance of over LKR 25 million per month for one year to cover relevant charges and operating costs at the Nagapattinam port. In a reciprocal move, the Government of Sri Lanka has reduced the deviation tax charged to passengers leaving the country by vessels and ships.
The Nagapattinam port has been specially prepared for passenger service, featuring separate lounges for health checks, security screening, and baggage scanning. Additionally, India has committed a grant of 63.5 million US dollars to upgrade the Kankesanthurai Harbour in Jaffna.