June 28, Colombo (LNW): The Indian state of Tamil Nadu is taking steps to enhance commercial activity at the Nagapattinam International Passenger Terminal following the strong performance of the passenger ferry service connecting India and Sri Lanka.
The Tamil Nadu Maritime Board (TNMB), which developed and manages the terminal, has invited bids to operate duty-free retail outlets and foreign currency exchange services, signalling growing confidence in the long-term viability of the cross-border ferry route.
The commercial expansion comes less than two years after passenger ferry operations between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai resumed, restoring a maritime link that has strengthened tourism, business travel and family connections across the Palk Strait.
According to the TNMB, the ferry service has carried more than 25,000 passengers since commencing operations in August 2024, comfortably exceeding initial projections. The vessel, which accommodates up to 150 passengers per journey, has attracted a steady mix of tourists, traders and members of the Tamil diaspora travelling between the two countries.
Officials believe the increasing passenger traffic has created sufficient demand for services commonly found at international transport hubs. As a result, separate tenders have been issued for the operation of a duty-free shopping facility and a foreign exchange outlet within the terminal.
