India - Sri Lanka started Passenger Ferry service

Colombo. Passenger ferry service between India and Sri Lanka has resumed from Friday. This passenger ferry was started in October last year between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka, which was suspended as a precaution due to monsoon.

Kankesanthurai is near Jaffna in the northern province. This passenger service on the Sivaganga ferry is operated by private operator Indusree Ferry Services. With this, the distance between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai can be covered in about 4 hours. This ferry service is an initiative to strengthen mutual relations between India and Sri Lanka by increasing maritime connectivity.

The Indian High Commission in Colombo wrote on social media 'X' Nagapattinam-Kankesanthurai ferry service resumed! The ferry 'Shiv Ganga' completed its maiden voyage from Nagapattinam to KKS, which is an important step in strengthening ties through enhancing maritime connectivity, promoting P2P relations and promoting economic cooperation.

The Indian High Commission said in a statement that this resumption of ferry service is a testimony to the comprehensive effort to enhance maritime connectivity between India and Sri Lanka. To make the service more affordable for passengers, the Government of India has decided to provide financial assistance of over 25 million LKR per month for a period of one year, to cover relevant charges and operational costs at the Nagapattinam port.

Let us tell you that the Government of India has also provided grant assistance of US $ 63.65 million to the Government of Sri Lanka for the rehabilitation of the KKS port, which was earlier envisaged to be done under the loan assistance. This also reflects India's commitment to the 'Neighbor First' policy. India is continuously helping Sri Lanka in various sectors for economic reform and its progress and prosperity.

(Report. Shashwat Tiwari)