MoU to be signed soon:

Cabinet nod for India-Lanka ferry service

The Indian Union Cabinet on Wednesday cleared the proposal for a passenger ferry service between India and Sri Lanka that will strengthen economic and cultural ties.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed soon between India and Sri Lanka for providing a joint mechanism for passenger transportation between the two countries, said Union Minister Shipping in New Delhi G K Vasan.

According to a release, it is proposed to start the passenger ferry service initially between Tuticorin and Colombo and subsequently extend it to other destinations, namely Rameswaram and Thalaimannar.

The Indian Shipping Ministry directed the Tuticorin Port Trust for the creation of infrastructure for the commencement of the service.

The distance between Colombo and Tuticorin is about 152 nautical miles and the duration of the journey will be about 10 to 12 hours. The passenger fare will be significantly cheaper compared to the airfare between these two destinations. The Hindu