Rameswaram, Nov 25: The Tamil Nadu State Coastal Development Authority has announced that passenger ferry services between Rameswaram and Sri Lanka’s Talaimannar will be revived soon. The authorities are currently conducting site inspections to determine suitable locations for the ferry terminals, as part of preparations to restart the service.
Ferry services between Rameswaram and Talaimannar were operational from 1914 until 1964, when they were suspended following the cyclone that hit Dhanushkodi. After a brief resumption from 1969 to 1984, the service was again halted due to security concerns arising from the civil conflict in Sri Lanka. The central government suspended ferry operations in 1984, and they have remained closed for the past 41 years.
However, the Tamil Nadu government is now taking the initiative to revive this crucial transportation link. To assess the potential sites for the ferry service, Vallalar, the Deputy Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Coastal Development Authority, led a team of officials on an inspection tour. They visited several locations, including the Agni Theertham Beach, Dhanushkodi Beach, Villundi Theertham near Rameswaram, and the Kunthukal Beach.
The new ferry services will not only operate between Rameswaram and Talaimannar but will also connect nearby tourist destinations such as Dhanushkodi, Agni Theertham, Pamban, Kunthukal, Thangachimadam, Villundi Theertham, and the Mannar Bay area, including Mullimunai Island. This service is expected to boost tourism in the region.
Additionally, a separate ferry service will be introduced for tourists between Thiruchendur and Dhanushkodi.
The revival of the ferry services will greatly benefit both pilgrims and tourists, offering a convenient travel option to explore the region. Authorities have already completed site inspections for the ferry terminals, and once the central government’s environmental clearance is obtained, construction of the required bridges for the ferry services will commence.
This initiative is seen as a significant step towards enhancing regional tourism and facilitating easier travel between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.