Tuticorin ferry service gaining ground

Hemanthi Guruge

The Colombo, Tuticorin passenger ferry service (Scotia Prince) is gaining popularity and plans are underway to increase the service. This ferry service commenced last June and is operated twice a week. “Since we see a growth we are looking at increasing the service to three per week,” Flemingo Liners CEO P.K Thimmaya said.

Speaking to Daily News Business, he said the service which ferried 150 is now taking over 300 passengers. The cargo sector too has shown growth.

Many Sri Lankans and Indians including traders and students are patronizing this ferry service to get to one point from another.

He said the ferry service is helping to increase tourism between Sri Lanka and India and it has also opened a new market for the two countries.

The service is operated every Monday and Friday from Tuticorin and every Wednesday and Sunday from Colombo.

The travel time between Tuticorin and Colombo is about 12 to 14 hours and the vessel could accommodate 1100 passengers. It could also carry 300 tonnes of cargo.

The service also allows a maximum of 100 kg for economy cabin passengers and 200 kg for deluxe passengers.

They are being provided an attractive package with meals and entertainments for passengers. ‘Scotia Prince’ is the most luxurious affordable ferry passenger service between Tuticorin and Colombo offering 317 cabins including 11 first class and two suites.

In addition to that there are many facilities including a Broadway lounge and restaurant, to accommodate 200 to 250 people, medical facilities and others available in the ferry service. A world class casino with all amenities will be fully functional inside the ship which will be for use of the passengers would be introduced soon to this service.

“Since the fare is very attractive less affluent people too can now travel,” he said.

Flemingo Liners, a subsidiary incorporated by Flemingo Duty Free Shop (Pvt) Ltd is the latest venture in its quest towards business excellence and constant effort to be a pioneer and maintain its position as the largest duty free operator in India.

Flemingo leased out the Scotia Prince vessel to boost tourism between India and Sri Lanka and also restore trade links between both countries.

Sea passenger transportation between the two countries is being established consequent to the joint declaration last year after talks between Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh during President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s official visit to India.