Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Nagapattinam-Jaffna ferry service

Mains level: India- Srilanka relations, Nagapattinam-Jaffna ferry service- Opportunities, challenges

What’s the news?

The passenger ferry service, named ‘Cheriyapani,’ was officially launched on a recent Saturday.

Central idea

The Nagapattinam-Jaffna ferry service revives an ancient India-Sri Lanka sea route, fostering bilateral ties, tourism, and people-to-people relations. Additionally, it promises economic benefits for local traders on both coasts.

The passenger ferry service, Cheriyapani, was officially launched.
Travelers can avail a one-way ticket for approximately Rs 7,670, which includes a generous baggage allowance of up to 40 kg per passenger.
The journey departs from Nagapattinam at 7 am, reaching Kankesanthurai by 11 am, and the return trip commences at 1.30 pm, arriving in Nagapattinam by 5.30 pm.

Maritime linkage between India and Sri Lanka has a rich history, with the Indo-Ceylon Express or Boat Mail operating from Chennai to Colombo via Thoothukudi port until 1982. The civil war in Sri Lanka disrupted these services.
Before the conflict, Dhanushkodi to Talaimannar was a popular route, connecting Chennai via train and coal-powered steam ferry.

Post-Independence Services: Following India’s independence and the formation of Sri Lanka as a separate nation in 1948, ferry services continued to operate between the two countries, connecting ports like Chennai and Colombo.
Indo-Ceylon Express: The Indo-Ceylon Express, also known as the Boat Mail, ran between Chennai and Colombo via the Thoothukudi port from the early 1900s until 1982. This service was a significant mode of transportation and trade between the two countries.
Disruption Due to Civil War: The prolonged civil war in Sri Lanka, which began in 1983, led to the suspension of ferry services between India and Sri Lanka. This conflict disrupted not only transportation but also the overall relationship between the two countries.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): After the end of the civil war in 2009, there were renewed efforts to restore ferry services. In 2011, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning passenger transportation by sea was signed, leading to the launch of a ferry service.
Proposals for New Routes: Besides the Nagapattinam-Jaffna route, there were proposals to establish ferry services from Rameswaram to Talaimannar and Karaikal to Kankesanthurai. O

Boost to Religious Tourism: Prominent Indian pilgrimage centers such as Nagapattinam, Nagore, Velankanni, Thirunallar, and temple towns like Thanjavur, Madurai, and Tiruchi are expected to witness an influx of Sri Lankan tourists.
Economic Benefits: The ferry service has the potential to stimulate regional commerce and trade. Local traders and businesses on both sides of the Palk Strait may benefit from increased cross-border trade and tourism.
Diplomatic and Bilateral Relations: High-level statements from leaders of both countries, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, indicate the diplomatic significance attached to the service.
Infrastructure Development: The anticipation of increased travelers has prompted infrastructure development initiatives. Investments in port facilities, customs procedures, and immigration processes can enhance the overall travel experience.
Promotion of Regional Peace: Increased people-to-people interactions facilitated by the ferry service can contribute to regional peace and stability by fostering mutual understanding and goodwill between communities on both sides of the strait.

Service Frequency Adjustment: The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) had initially planned to run the ferry services every day for ten days. However, this schedule was adjusted to operate thrice a week.
Ticket Pricing: The cost of a one-way ticket, approximately Rs 7,670, has been considered relatively high by some passengers. High ticket prices can deter potential travelers, particularly those on a tight budget.
Ticketing Systems: Reports suggest that the ticketing systems for the ferry service may not be as efficient as desired. Passengers have experienced difficulties with booking tickets, which can lead to inconvenience and dissatisfaction.
Reduced Passenger Interest: Poor response and passenger turnout during the initial days of operation may be indicative of reduced interest in the service. Building awareness and creating incentives for passengers to choose the ferry over other modes of transportation is crucial.
Operational Efficiency: Operational efficiency is critical for the ferry service’s success. Ensuring timely departures, arrivals, and efficient boarding processes is essential to maintain passenger satisfaction and reliability.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the launch of the service on October 14, emphasized that connectivity is not just about bringing cities closer; it also fosters closer relationships between countries and their people.
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in a video message, regarded the revival of the ferry service as a significant step toward strengthening connectivity between India and Sri Lanka.

The inauguration of the Nagapattinam-Jaffna ferry service signifies a promising chapter in the historical maritime linkage between India and Sri Lanka. By addressing operational challenges and leveraging its potential, this initiative can contribute to regional development, tourism, and strengthened bilateral ties.