Preliminary measures are being taken to commence a passenger and cargo ferry service between Kankesanthurai and Talaimannar in northern Sri Lanka and South India.
The Ministry of Ports and Shipping states that necessary arrangements are being made to commence transport services from the Kankesanthurai harbor and the Talaimannar jetty to the main harbors in South India to provide facilities to the people of both countries.
According to the Ministry, the modernization of the Kankesanthurai harbor is underway at a cost of US$ 45.2 million. The project is being funded by the Indian government under a credit scheme.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Port Authority says that the reconstruction of the Thalaimannar jetty will be completed within a few days.
Following commissioning of the new ferry service, a joint railway service will be initiated between India and Sri Lanka. The two countries used to have a connected railway line a few decades back. Both countries had provided facilities for passengers to travel with a one-way ticket from Colombo Fort to Chennai.
With the commencement of new services, the local devotees will be able to spend less money on the pilgrimage to Dambadiwa.
In line with the project under the instructions of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, a tourism zone and an industrial zone will be established in Kankesanthurai.
The Port Authority says a number of new hotels and restaurants are being constructed in the area of the Thalaimannar jetty and warehouses will also be part of the project.
Courtesy: Colombo Page
