The one-way ferry fare between India’s Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai has been reduced by INR. 500, while passengers will now be allowed to carry up to 30 kg of luggage free of charge.

The announcement was made by the Chief Commercial Officer of the ferry operating company, while speaking to reporters in Nagapattinam.

The passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai has been operating for more than two years. The journey takes approximately three to four hours, with services running six days a week, except Tuesdays.

Previously, passengers travelling from Nagapattinam to Kankesanthurai were allowed 10 kg of free luggage, while those travelling from Kankesanthurai to Nagapattinam were permitted 15 kg.

Passengers carrying luggage beyond the permitted limits were required to pay additional charges. The company had previously charged INR. 1,000 for an extra 5 kg, INR. 1,500 for 10 kg, INR. 3,750 for 30 kg and INR. 7,500 for 60 kg. An additional luggage allowance of up to 22 kg was subsequently introduced.

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

The operator said the ferry service was launched to strengthen friendly relations between India and Sri Lanka and had so far carried 55,310 passengers between the two countries for religious, tourism and business purposes during its two-and-a-half years of operation.

According to the operator steps had been taken to operate the ferry on all days, except when weather warnings are issued by the Department of Meteorology.

– with Agencies inputs --