Decks cleared for ferry service between Kochi-Colombo

A journey to Colombo from Kochi through the sea route will soon become a reality. The Cochin Port Trust is awaiting an official communication from the Centre in this regard.

The proposal to start a ferry service between Sri Lanka and Kochi, mooted at the SAARC Transport Ministers’ meet in Sri Lanka, gained momentum after the Union Ministry of Shipping gave green signal for the project. “The Cochin Port Trust is awaiting an official communication from the Centre in this regard.

It is learnt that the Central Government is also keen to commence a ferry service between Kochi and Colombo. If the Central Government takes a decision in this regard, the Cochin Port Trust will make all arrangements,” said Cochin Port Trust Chairman N Ramachandran.

He said that it would not be difficult for the Port to handle passenger ships as Lakshadweep- bound passenger vessels and luxury cruise liners are currently calling at the port. “The port can provide facilities for embarkation, disembarkation and emigration to passengers,” he said.

It is learnt that the Ministry has decided to invite expression of interest from private companies for operating the service as the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) does not operate vessels for ferrying passengers, except to Andaman Island. Express News Service