Indo-Lankan ferry service to commence late April

Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva says the first ferry line of the new ferry service to be operated between Karaikal Port in Pondicherry, India and Kankesanthurai (KKS) is scheduled to call on the Port of KKS on April 29, 2023. The Minister disclosed this information at a discussion with the stakeholders of this new ferry service held on last March 24 at the Ministry.

A passenger terminal is built at the KKS port, under infrastructure development for the new ferry service. Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has provided a financial facility of Rs. 144 million for the total constructions that are carried out by the Sri Lanka Navy. The basic constructions of the passenger terminal have already been initiated by the SL Navy and will be handed over after completion, to the SLPA by the 02nd week of April.

The ferry service owners at the discussion revealed that USD 50 will be charged to a passenger for a one-way trip and a piece of baggage of 100 kg will be allowed.

A ferry will carry 150 passengers at a time and will take around 4 hours journey from Karaikal Port to KKS. Ferry Service owners emphasized that only daytime operations will be in effect during the first stage of operations.

The Minister also said that besides the launch of the new ferry service, the expansion activities of the port of KKS would be expedited. “Since the credit grant facility granted by India for these constructions at present is insufficient, an additional credit facility of USD 16 million has been requested from the Indian Exim Bank”, the Minister said.