India is set to increase services along a historic maritime route with the launch of a second passenger ferry service between Rameswaram and Talaimannar this July.
The Tamil Nadu Maritime Board has received an expression of interest from an operator to run an all-weather ferry service, capable of carrying 250 passengers and covering the distance in just one hour.
This development comes after four decades of suspension of the service. The first revival of maritime passenger connectivity was seen in 2023, with the relaunch of the Nagapattinam-Kankesanthurai ferry service, and now, efforts are being made to expand this initiative to the Rameswaram-Talaimannar route.
The Rameswaram-Talaimannar ferry route has historically been a key maritime connection between Tamil Nadu and Tamil Eelam. Prior to its suspension in the early 1980s, due to the outbreak of the armed conflict, this route was a vital link for both trade and cultural exchanges. The new ferry service is being framed as a revival of this historical trade relationship.
M. Vallalar, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board, expressed optimism about the project, stating:
"This service will revive the past glory of trade relations between the two countries, besides being a gateway for tourists visiting the island nation from India. The number of services a day can be expanded depending on the demand."
To facilitate the new service, the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board is setting up a temporary jetty at Rameswaram and has approached the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to establish customs and immigration facilities. Furthermore, a detailed project report prepared by IIT Madras has been submitted to the Indian Union Shipping Ministry, proposing the development of a permanent passenger terminal at Rameswaram with an estimated cost of ₹150 crore under the Sagarmala programme.
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