Why a TN-Sri Lanka private ferry hopes to succeed where SCI didn't

This ferry service had originally been launched in October 2023 by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), but was abruptly discontinued within a week. Among the purported reasons were the rough seas and the unavailability of a ferry vessel.

Now, after a gap of six months, Singapore-based Sri Lankan Tamil businessman S Niranjan Nandhagopan is offering this ferry service through his company IndSri Ferry Services. The ferry, named Sivagangai, will accommodate 120 passengers, including tourists and businessmen running small enterprises.

SCI's 2023 attempt

Even as Sivagangai is seen as a boon for tourists and commuters to and from Sri Lanka, questions are being raised on why the government-launched service had failed.

The Nagapattinam port, managed by the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board, is located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal at the estuary of River Kaduvaiyar. The Ministry of External Affairs had allocated ₹8 crore to upgrade the port's infrastructure solely to support the ferry service.

When the government-run SCI launched the service in October 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe referred to the project as a “new chapter” in strengthening the ties between the two nations.

Short-lived venture

Modi stated that the ferry service, which was operational 40 years ago before it was discontinued, would bolster cultural, commercial, and civilisational ties between the two nations. He announced India's plans to resume the operation of the ferry service between Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and Talaimannar in Sri Lanka.

However, the grand plans fizzled out within five days.

State port officer Captain M Anbazhagan informed the media last year that the daily service was suspended due to the inability to operate vessels in rough weather conditions with the onset of the Northeast Monsoon. Operations were temporarily suspended for two months, with plans to resume in January 2024, he added.

However, there has been no progress in the government-run project.

Protests in Lakshadweep

Sources revealed to The Federal that adverse weather was only a secondary reason. The ferry Cheryapani that was deployed by the SCI was brought in from Lakshwadeep.

A critical mode of transportation for daily commuters in Lakshadweep, Cherypani was a lifeline for the people of the island. So, when it was relocated to cater to passengers between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai on a daily basis, it sparked off widespread uproar.

A source speaking on condition of anonymity told The Federal: “When residents of Lakshadweep opposed the move and demanded the return of the ferry, the Union government quickly suspended the service citing weather conditions.”

Faizal PP Mohammed, MP from Lakshadweep, raised the issue with Modi, pushing for the ferry to be moved back to the island. Mohammed told The Federal that residents of Lakshadweep were very angry and upset when the ferry services were suspended.

“Cheryapani was the primary transport vessel for inter-island travel in Lakshadweep for over 15 years. Literally, our people depended on Cheryapani for their daily commute. There were several protests because it was a big ferry that could accommodate up to 150 persons and also a high-speed transport service. Protests were called off only when the vessel returned to the island,” he said.

Affordable ferry service

The new private ferry service will be affordable for travellers, Nandhagopan, MD of IndSri, told The Federal.

"The round-trip ferry service will be much cheaper than any available flight service. A ticket from Nagapattinam port to Kankesanthurai would cost $59 (₹4,924), including taxes. The return service would be priced at $55 (₹4,590), including taxes. Passengers are allowed to carry 60 kg of baggage on board without additional charges. This pricing strategy will attract customers,” he said.

Asked how he felt about taking up a project discontinued by the government, Nandhagopan said the SCI had introduced the ferry service during the monsoon season, which probably led to its failure.

“We have decided to operate a daily service but will halt operations during November-January to avoid the monsoon season. Currently, we are accepting bookings for trips between May 13 and November 15,” Nandhagopan added.

Indians and Sri Lankans using this ferry service will require a passport. While Indians can obtain a landing visa in Sri Lanka, visitors from Sri Lankans will need to apply for an Indian visa beforehand.