Nagapattinam-Kankesanthurai ferry service to resume on March 6

The international passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka will resume on March 6, Subham Ferry, the operator of the service, has announced.

The service, launched in October 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen cultural ties and tourism between India and Sri Lanka, had been operating six days a week, except Tuesdays. The ‘Sivagangai’ ferry was suspended on November 18 last year due to inclement weather during the northeast monsoon.

During the suspension, repair work was carried out at the immigration office at Nagapattinam port, along with road improvements and passenger amenity upgrades. With the work completed and sea conditions turning favourable, operations are set to recommence.

Sundararaj Ponnusamy, chairman and managing director of Subham Group, told The Hindu that the company planned to run the service without interruption till the end of the year.

There will be no change in the existing two-way fare. The ferry will continue to operate six days a week, except on Tuesdays.

Mr. Ponnusamy added that the company was exploring the introduction of cargo services between the two ports.