Over 55,000 use Nagapattinam-KKS ferry

More than 55,000 passengers have used the passenger ferry service between India’s Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai (KKS) during its two-and-a-half years of operation, with the operator announcing a reduction in fares and an increase in the free baggage allowance.

The ferry operator said 55,310 passengers had travelled between the two countries for religious, tourism and business purposes since the service was launched.

Under the latest festive season concession, the one-way fare has been reduced by INR 500, from INR 6,000 to INR 5,500.

Passengers will also be permitted to carry up to 30 kg of luggage free of charge.

Previously, passengers travelling from Nagapattinam to Kankesanthurai were allowed 10 kg of free baggage, while those travelling in the opposite direction were permitted 15 kg.

Passengers carrying additional baggage were required to pay extra charges, with rates previously set at INR 1,000 for an additional 5 kg, INR 1,500 for 10 kg, INR 3,750 for 30 kg and INR 7,500 for 60 kg.

An additional baggage allowance of up to 22 kg was subsequently introduced.

The Chief Commercial Officer of the ferry operating company announced the latest concessions while speaking to reporters in Nagapattinam.

The service operates six days a week, except Tuesdays, with the journey between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai taking around three to four hours.

The operator said the ferry service was introduced to strengthen friendly relations between India and Sri Lanka and facilitate travel between the two countries.

It said steps were being taken to operate the service on all days, except when weather warnings are issued by the Department of Meteorology.