The much-anticipated passenger ferry service between Kankesanthurai (KKS) in Jaffna and Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu has officially resumed on 22nd February, following a three-month suspension due to unfavourable weather conditions.
The ferry, operated by Subham Ferry Services, a subsidiary of the Subham Group, departed from Nagapattinam and arrived at Kankesanthurai in the afternoon, marking the reinstatement of a vital transportation link between the two regions.
The resumption of this ferry service is expected to strengthen connectivity between Tamil Nadu and Tamil Eelam, offering a direct and convenient route for passengers travelling between the two regions. The service, which first launched in October 2023, had been temporarily suspended on 18th November 2024, causing disruption to travel and trade between the two Tamil-speaking regions.
The passenger vessel offers a six-day-a-week service, operating every day except Tuesday, according to Sundararaj Ponnusamy, the chairman of Sivagangai Shipping Service Company.
Onboard, passengers are provided with meals, including a diverse range of dishes such as Italian cuisine, Pongal for breakfast, and vegetable biryani for lunch, catering to both local and international tastes.
Each ticket for the ferry is priced at Rs. 35,000, making it a more affordable and accessible option compared to flights.
A total of 83 passengers were on board when the ship arrived at Kankesanthurai, and by 1:30 PM, it departed back to Nagapattinam with another 83 passengers.
The ferry service holds cultural, economic, and historical significance, providing a direct travel route between the Eelam Tamil homeland and Tamil Nadu, facilitating not just passenger movement but also trade, religious pilgrimages, and familial reunions.
Historically, the North-East has maintained deep-rooted connections with Tamil Nadu, and the ferry route serves as a symbolic and practical bridge between the two Tamil-speaking regions.
The Indian and Sri Lankan governments have both framed the ferry service as a step toward enhancing bilateral relations. With its resumption, the ferry service is expected to boost regional travel, trade, and cultural exchange.
