SCI mulls Colombo to Tuticorin ferry service

New Delhi: The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) is considering a proposal from the Union Shipping Ministry to start a passenger ferry service between Tuticorin and Colombo.

For this, the SCI will first have to either enter into a partnership with a ferry owner and/or operator. Alternatively, SCI might also take a ferry on lease to operate the service.

SCI is likely to invite expressions of interest from various firms on the issue soon, said sources from the Shipping Ministry and SCI. The Shipping Minister, Mr G.K. Vasan,recently stated that a ferry service between India and Sri Lanka will start within three months.

“The idea is to have two vessels – one on each side to ensure overnight services – so that people can move between the two countries with higher frequency,” said a source from SCI. But, SCI will first look at ensuring financial viability of the project before taking it off ground, indicated another SCI official.

Recently, the Tuticorin Port Trust indicated the port’s readiness to begin the service. The port management and the Centre have taken a number of measures to revive the passenger services, the Port Trust Chairman said in a release.

In August, the management provided the details requested by the Ministry of Shipping for examination of the request for the revival of passenger transport service. It also obtained the ISPS compliance report for securing compliance and has taken adequate measures for enhancing the security at the Port.