Ferry service between between Tuticorin and Colombo would resume after completing the new tendering process, according to shipping minster GK Vasan.
In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on Monday, he said a memorandum of understanding on passenger transportation by sea was signed between India and Sri Lanka on January 7, 2011, for developing friendly relations and strengthening cooperation, which would be mutually beneficial to the economic, social and cultural advancement of the two countries.
The MoU envisages commencement of passenger ferry services between the ports of Tuticorin and Colombo and between Rameswaram and Thalaimannar in the two countries.
The passenger ferry service between Tuticorin and Colombo and vice-versa, which was launched on June 13, 2011, had been suspended since November 18, 2011.
The VO Chidambaranar Port at Tuticorin is initiating the process of selecting a new vessel operator through competitive bidding for resuming the ferry service between Tuticorin and Colombo. The service will resume on completion of the re-tendering process, the minister said.
