India-Sri Lanka ferry service restarted after 40 yrs: Opportunities, challenges

Source: The post is based on the article “India-Sri Lanka ferry service restarted after 40 yrs: Opportunities, challenges” published in The Indian Express on 17^th October 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations – Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Relevance: About the launch of ferry service between India and Sri Lanka.

News: A historic sea route between India and Sri Lanka has been revived with the launch of a passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam, India, and Kankesanthurai, Sri Lanka.

It aims to strengthen bilateral relations, promote tourism, and enhance local trade. The ferry service, operated by a High-Speed Craft is named ‘Cheriyapani,’

What was the previous sea route between India and Sri Lanka?

Maritime linkage between India and Sri Lanka has existed since the early 1900s.

One of the most popular routes was from Dhanushkodi (India) to Talaimannar (Sri Lanka), which was served by the Boat Mail Express train and a coal-powered steam ferry.

However, the civil war in Sri Lanka in 1982 resulted in the halting of these services.

What were the previous attempts made to restart the service?

India and Sri Lanka have been working to bring back ferry services since the civil war ended in 2009. They signed an agreement (MoU) in 2011 and started a service. However, it only lasted six months due to the poor demand.

Moreover, they have also tried to start ferry services from Rameswaram to Talaimannar and Karaikal to Kankesanthurai, but these plans have not worked out.

Must Read: India Sri Lanka relations: Explained

What may be the potential impact of this new service?

A ferry service between India and Sri Lanka would boost religious tourism in both countries. 

Indian pilgrims could easily visit religious sites in Colombo and southern Sri Lanka, while Sri Lankan tourists could visit religious sites in Nagapattinam, Nagore, Velankanni, Thirunallar, and temple towns such as Thanjavur, Madurai, and Tiruchi.

Additionally, the ferry service would also boost regional commerce and trade.

The development would strengthen cultural, economic, and civilisational ties. 

It can also improve cooperation in disaster management and maritime security.  

It may also enable voluntary repatriation of refugees from Sri Lanka, living in Tamil Nadu. 

What preparations and infrastructure improvements are being undertaken for the new service?

The Tamil Nadu state government is coordinating with various Union government departments, including Customs, External Affairs, Shipping, and Immigration, to ensure a seamless experience for passengers.

The Nagapattinam port has also received an upgrade with an investment of Rs 8 crore from the Union Ministry of External Affairs.

What are the challenges associated?

Factors such as Sri Lanka’s civil war, lack of patronage and cyclones have led to lukewarm response to earlier connectivity initiatives.

The effectiveness of the new India-Sri Lanka ferry service depends on its operational strategy.

Initially, the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) intended to operate daily for ten days but has since reduced it to three times a week. This change is due to the start of the northeast monsoon, high fares, and ticketing system challenges.

What steps should be undertaken in order to make it successful? 

Hence, the following should be done: 

1) Lowering of the fare and increasing the baggage allowance. 

2) The provision of amenities at Nagapattinam such as a dormitory and improving rail connectivity. 

3) Sri Lanka should consider promoting economic ties. 

4) Sustained policy attention will be critical to making this service a success.

5) Bookings must be made accessible on well-known travel websites.