After a hiatus of nearly 40 years, the passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka, which briefly resumed in October 2023 only to be suspended shortly after, is slated to recommence on May 13. The service will be managed by a new operator, with online ticket sales set to commence on Monday.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the service on October 14 last year. However, operations were halted after about a week, reportedly due to adverse weather conditions during the monsoon season. Now, after a six-month hiatus, the service is poised to resume operations.
This time, the international service will be managed by IndSri Ferry Services Private Limited, a Chennai-based travel operator, operating the vessel named ‘Sivagangai’.
Managing Director of IndSri Ferry Services Private Limited, S Niranjan Nanthagopan, confirmed that the service will operate daily, with ticket sales available from Monday onwards through the website sailindsri.com for voyages scheduled between May 13 and November 15. Currently, the ticket price for a journey from Nagapattinam port to Kankesanthurai is set at USD 50 plus taxes (approximately `4,920), with the same pricing for the return trip.
Passengers will be allowed to carry up to 60 kg of baggage on board without additional charges. Moreover, they will have the flexibility to change their travel date up to 72 hours before the scheduled departure. Full refunds will be provided for cancellations made within the specified period.
Source: The New Indian Express
