The Government of India has extended financial assistance for the passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai for another year, marking the third consecutive year of support since the service resumed in August 2024.

According to the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, the extension, provided under the Viability Gap Funding mechanism, amounts to nearly Rs. 300 million annually and is aimed at ensuring affordability and operational sustainability by covering key logistical and operational costs.

Since its resumption, the ferry has facilitated the movement of around 52,000 passengers, contributing significantly to cultural, economic, and social exchanges between India and Sri Lanka. Officials noted that the continuation of support reflects India’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and strengthening people‑to‑people linkages.

The initiative also aligns with the shared vision for enhanced maritime connectivity reaffirmed during the Sri Lankan President’s visit to India in December 2024 and the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025.

Future plans include rehabilitation of Kankesanthurai Harbour under Indian grant assistance of USD 65 million, as well as exploring additional routes and services to further expand maritime connectivity and deepen bilateral ties. (Newswire)

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The passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam and Sri Lanka is all set to commence again from August 16 as all clearances have been obtained by the operator, according to Indian media. 

DT Next reports that the IndSri Ferry Service Private Ltd in an official communication on Monday said that the ferry service would be operated from Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu to Kankesanthurai at Jaffna in Sri Lanka.

As per the statement, the operators said the ferry, ‘Sivagangai’ has been deployed for the service for which the online booking for passengers would open from midnight on August 12 and the service will start from August 16.

Though the service was initially planned between Karaikal and Kankesanthurai, subsequently, the route was altered from Nagapattinam as Karaikal port has been focussing on coal shipments, particularly, for industrial purposes, and in that case, it might be risky for the facility to handle passenger services.

After the agreement made between India and Sri Lanka, the Nagapattinam port was readied with an allocation of Rs 3 crore for port modernisation and construction of separate lounges for obtaining citizenship, medical examination, security check and scanning of baggage.

The service was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the trial run in October 2023. The service commenced with the vessel Cheriyapani, thereafter suspended since the climatic conditions were not favourable.

Sources said that there are as many as 150 seats for passengers in addition to 30 crew members. The tickets were fixed at Rs 6,000. (Newswire)

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The high-speed passenger ferry between Sri Lanka and India is scheduled to commence operations tomorrow (Oct 10), it was reported.

The ferry service will operate from Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, India to Kankesanthurai port in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.

Indian media reported in September that the passenger terminal was being set up at the Nagapattinam Port and that the works were to be completed ahead of the commencement of the ferry service.

The route would cover a distance of 60 nautical miles and the ferry would have at least 150 passengers with the journey taking around two hours. 

The operations would be initiated by the Shipping Corporation of India and controlled by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). (NewsWire)

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