India and Sri Lanka are engaged in discussions to establish a new ferry service connecting Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, India, and Talaimannar in Sri Lanka. This initiative aims to revive historical maritime links, boost tourism, and foster trade and cultural exchange between the two nations.
The proposed ferry route would span the Palk Strait, covering a distance of approximately 26 nautical miles. The Tamil Nadu Maritime Board has expressed interest from an operator to run an all-weather ferry service that can accommodate 250 passengers and complete the journey in approximately one hour.
To facilitate the ferry service, a temporary jetty is being constructed at Rameswaram, and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has been approached to establish customs and immigration facilities. Additionally, a detailed project report (DPR) has been prepared by the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC) at IIT Madras, outlining plans for a permanent passenger terminal at Rameswaram under the Sagarmala program, with a proposed investment of ₹150 crore. The DPR also includes provisions for dredging a 250-meter approach channel.
The Rameswaram-Talaimannar ferry route has a rich history, serving as a vital link between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka for trade and cultural exchange before its suspension in the early 1980s due to armed conflict. Prior to its discontinuation in 1964, a Boat Mail service operated from 1888, involving a train journey to Dhanushkodi and a steamer service to Talaimannar. This service played a significant role in transporting people from South India to work on tea plantations in Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon.
The resumption of ferry services between India and Sri Lanka gained momentum in 2023 with the launch of a service connecting Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai, after a hiatus of four decades. The Nagapattinam-Kankesanthurai ferry service was relaunched after being suspended for four decades. This initiative, along with the proposed Rameswaram-Talaimannar route, signifies a renewed focus on strengthening connectivity and reviving historical ties between the two countries.
Tamil Nadu Minister E V Velu has urged the central government to expedite funding for the Rameswaram-Talaimannar ferry service project under the Sagarmala initiative, emphasizing its potential to enhance cultural and trade relations.
The new ferry service is expected to benefit pilgrims visiting religious sites in both countries, as well as international tourists seeking to explore South India and Sri Lanka in a single trip. It is anticipated that the ferry service will boost tourism, revive historical trade connections, and improve cultural exchange.
