Sea service — Ferry between Tamil Nadu, Northern Sri Lanka holds much potential.

Source: This post has been created based on the article “Sea service” published in The Hindu on 19^th October 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations — India and its neighborhood- relations.

News: This article discusses the potential of the recent opening of passenger ferry service between Sri Lanka and India. It also proposes suggestions to ensure its success.

Rest of the aspects of this news have been already covered in the following article: https://forumias.com/blog/india-sri-lanka-ferry-service-restarted-after-40-yrs-opportunities-challenges/

What may be the potential impact of this new service?

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 steps should be undertaken in order to make it successful?

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