New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said that the commencement of passenger ferry service from Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu to Kangesanthurai, Sri Lanka is a major step towards developing people-to-people contacts.
Talking about the shipping between Nagai and Sri Lanka, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said, “This shipping is a big step to connect the people of India and Sri Lanka. Both Indian Prime Minister Modi and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe have approved this. In future we are looking to establish pipelines, economic corridors etc. All in Sri Lanka will be supported to live with the same dignity and equal rights.
India has a priority policy towards its neighbours, focusing on improving relations and cooperation with its neighbours. We wish to emphasize the same through this shipping. This was revealed in the flight service between Chennai and Jaffna which was already approved by Prime Minister Modi.
These are the natural decisions of the Prime Minister who always has a place in his heart for Tamil Nadu and cares for the interests of all the people in Sri Lanka. Who can deny that Modi was the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Jaffna. His commitment can also be seen in his support of housing projects, cultural centers and hospitals in Sri Lanka.
Shipping is an important means of connecting people to each other by sea. Further. It will also underline our support for the smooth functioning of Kangekasanthurai. Today shipping, earlier air service, easy visa procedure, more tourism etc. make the life of the public easier. Finally, it will facilitate the commercial commitments of the Modi government. As you all have asked, this will facilitate the direct transportation of goods through shipping, especially for small traders,” the minister said.
Earlier, passenger shipping service started from Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka today (Oct 14). At a function held at Nagai Port, Prime Minister Modi launched the passenger ferry service via video. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonawal and Public Works Minister AV Velu took part in the inauguration ceremony held at Nagapattinam and flagged off the service.
Speaking at the inauguration of the ship service, Prime Minister Modi gave greetings in three languages namely English, Sinhala and Tamil. Speaking further, he said, “We are writing a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations between India and Sri Lanka. In this context, the shipping between Kankekasanthurai, Sri Lanka and Nagapattinam, India is a very important milestone in strengthening the bilateral relationship. The India-Sri Lanka passenger ferry service will improve transport connectivity and promote trade. It will strengthen the relationship,” he said.
How much is the fee? –The fare from Nagai to Kangesandurai is Rs.7,670. The fee is Rs.7,670 inclusive of GST. 50 passengers left for Sri Lanka today on this ship which can carry up to 150 passengers.
Travel time:The ship will reach Kangesanthurai, Sri Lanka, 60 nautical miles from Nagai in 3.30 hours. This ship operates once daily from Naga to Sri Lanka and from Sri Lanka to Naga. Passengers can carry a maximum baggage weight of 52 kg during this cruise.
This passenger ship departs Nagai daily at 7 am. 12 noon Reach Sri Lanka Kangesanthurai port at 12 noon. It will depart from there at 1.30 PM and reach Naga at 5.30 PM.
