After a 40-year hiatus, the much-anticipated revival of international passenger ferry services between Kangesanthurai in northern Sri Lanka and Nagapattinam in southern India is set to commence on May 13. The ferry operations, initially launched in October 2023, were temporarily halted due to adverse weather conditions. IndSri Ferry Services Private Limited, an India-based travel operator, will oversee these cross-border voyages utilizing the vessel ‘Sivagangai’.
Online ticket sales for these services, managed by the new operator, will begin on Monday. The resumption of the service follows a six-month break, with ticket sales open for voyages scheduled between May 13 and November 15 via the website sailindsri.com.
The ferry route aims to facilitate affordable travel options and revive historical ties between the two nations. This decision comes after the discontinuation of previous ferry services between Rameswaram and Talaimannar in Northern Sri Lanka in 1982, during the Sri Lankan civil war. Despite subsequent endeavors, sustainable ferry operations were not realized.
The ‘Sivaganga’ ship, constructed in Andaman, offers a capacity of 133 seats on the lower deck and 25 seats on the upper deck, covering a distance of 60 nautical miles in approximately three and a half hours. Passengers traveling to India only require a passport for documentation, streamlining travel procedures.
“The service will operate daily,” affirmed S Niranjan Nanthagopan, managing director of IndSri Ferry Services Private Limited. With a one-way ticket priced at £39 plus taxes from Kangesanthurai to Nagapattinam, the fare structure remains uniform for return journeys.
Passengers are permitted to carry up to 60 kg of baggage onboard without additional charges and can request a change of travel date up to 72 hours before the scheduled departure. Full refunds are available for cancellations within the specified period, offering flexibility for travelers.
