After over a decade of meticulous planning and anticipation, the passenger ferry service connecting India and Sri Lanka is finally setting sail today. This momentous occasion comes after the initial proposal and the subsequent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two neighboring countries.
Connecting Cultures and Cities:
The ferry will bridge Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, India, and Kankesanthurai in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, promising a swift journey of just three hours. Managed by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), this service aims to offer an economical travel alternative for residents of both nations, facilitating easier visits between Jaffna and Tamil Nadu.
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Meet the “Cheriyapani”:
The ferry, christened “Cheriyapani”, ensures passengers can bring along up to 40 kg of luggage at no extra cost. While the exact ticket pricing remains under wraps, it’s known that the vessel can comfortably host 150 travelers. Tamil Nadu’s Public Works Minister, EV Velu, has affirmed the state’s active participation in this venture.
A Nostalgic Voyage:
This service is a nod to the rich maritime history shared by the two nations, reminiscent of the early 20th century. The once-popular Indo-Ceylon Express, which ran between Chennai and Colombo via the Thoothukudi port, had to halt its operations in 1982 due to the Sri Lankan civil war. The decision to rekindle this connection stems from the 2011 passenger transportation MoU.
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The Birth of the Idea:
The ferry service concept emerged in 2011, a time when Sri Lanka aimed to reshape its image from being seen as a ‘refugee-producing’ country. Two potential routes were deliberated upon: one from Thoothukudi to Colombo and the other from Rameswaram to Talaimannar.
Historical Routes Reimagined:
Historically, a renowned ferry service operated between Dhanushkodi (near Rameshwaram) and Talaimannar. Travelers from Chennai would take the Boat Mail Express from the Egmore railway station to Rameshwaram, from where they’d board the coal-powered steam ferry to Talaimannar, a journey of approximately two hours.
More than Just a Journey:
This rejuvenated ferry service is poised to bolster trade, spiritual tourism, and commerce along the coastlines of both nations. Its cost-effectiveness is anticipated to lure tour operators, allowing budget-conscious travelers from Tamil Nadu and other Indian regions to discover revered religious sites in Colombo and southern Sri Lanka. Concurrently, Sri Lankan devotees can more conveniently visit sacred places in Nagapattinam, Velankanni, Nagore, Thirunallar, and the iconic temple cities of Madurai, Thanjavur, and Tiruchi.
FAQs:
How long is the journey between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai?
The journey is approximately three hours.
What is the luggage allowance for passengers on the Cheriyapani ferry?
Passengers can carry up to 40 kg of luggage without any extra charges.
How many passengers can the ferry accommodate?
The ferry can comfortably seat up to 150 passengers.
What historical ferry service did this new route replace?
This service revives the memory of the Indo-Ceylon Express, which operated between Chennai and Colombo until 1982.
What are some of the pilgrimage sites accessible via this ferry service?
Sri Lankan pilgrims can visit places like Nagapattinam, Velankanni, Nagore, Thirunallar, Madurai, Thanjavur, and Tiruchi. Indian travelers can explore religious sites in Colombo and southern Sri Lanka.
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