TN Minister seeks fast-track for Rameswaram–Talaimannar ferry revival

Resumption of the ferry service across Palk Strait from Rameswaram to Talaimannar in Sri Lanka, discontinued in 1964, is gaining momentum with Tamil Nadu minister E V Velu urging the Centre to fast track the funding for the project under the Sagarmala initiative.

Velu, who met Union Minister for Shipping Sarbanada Sonowal in Delhi on Monday, emphasised the need to fast-track the ferry service project which would provide a boost to cultural and trade ties between the two countries.

This request followed the preparation of a Rs 118 crore Detailed Project Report (DPR) by the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC) at IIT Madras. The ferry route covers a distance of 26 nautical miles across the narrow Palk Strait between India and the island nation. It involves dredging a 250-metre approach channel and construction of an International Passenger Terminal close to Rameswaram Railway station.

If resumed, it would be the second ferry service between the two countries. The other one is between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai launched recently by a private shipping company.

Launched in 1888, the Boat Mail service Mail service, which involved a train journey up to Dhanushkodi and a Steamer Service from there to Talaimannar, was in operation until 1964. It was this ferry service that transported many from the South as indentured labourers for the tea plantations in Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon.

The British nicknamed the bustling two of Dhanushkodi, literally meaning bow’s end, as little Singapore. It was discontinued in 1964 following the killer cyclone of unmatched velocity that washed away Dhanushkodi and the train drowning nearly 2000 people, leaving it into a ghost town.

Recently, Velu had inaugurated the new port office complex at Rameswaram and expressed hope that the ferry service would be resumed under the Sagarmala scheme. Sri Lankan Tamils visit the pilgrim centres in southern Tamil Nadu in large numbers and once operational, this service would increase religious tourism among other things.