Tamil Nadu Maritime Board (TNMB) has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from ferry operators to launch passenger services connecting Chennai, Mamallapuram and Puducherry, while proposing a multi-operator model for the Nagapattinam–Kankesanthurai ferry service between India and Sri Lanka.
According to the tender documents, the proposed ferry service will cover approximately 80 nautical miles, beginning at the cruise passenger terminal at Dr Ambedkar Dock in Chennai Port and terminating at Puducherry Port.
Chennai Port’s terminal can accommodate large vessels, while Puducherry Port is suitable for passenger ferries with a draft of up to 2 metres. However, Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, currently lacks dedicated ferry berthing infrastructure. The TNMB has indicated that suitable shore infrastructure may be developed, subject to the necessary statutory clearances.
In a separate initiative, the board has proposed introducing a multi-operator model for the Nagapattinam–Kankesanthurai (Jaffna) passenger ferry service. The proposed arrangement is aimed at enabling multiple operators to deploy vessels on the India–Sri Lanka route, offering greater sailing flexibility, improving service frequency and increasing passenger-handling capacity.
The passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai was revived in October 2023, restoring direct maritime connectivity between India and Sri Lanka after nearly four decades. Since its revival, the route has recorded more than 66,000 passenger movements, highlighting the growing demand for cross-border maritime connectivity.
Under the proposed multi-operator framework, existing terminal infrastructure and facilities at Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai will be utilised, subject to operational requirements. TNMB has also identified potential for introducing passenger-cum-cargo ferry operations on the route.
Nagapattinam’s passenger terminal has a berth depth of 1.8 metres, can accommodate more than 300 passengers at a time and is capable of handling vessels with a maximum draft of 1.5 metres.
Eligibility and vessel requirements
Interested operators must be registered entities, including firms, companies, limited liability partnerships (LLPs) or sole proprietorships, in India or abroad. Applicants must demonstrate at least three years of experience in operating passenger ferry services, with vessels having a minimum capacity of 50 passengers, during the five years ending August 31, 2026.
Applicants must also own a high-speed craft or hold a lease agreement for one with a minimum validity of one year. They are required to possess valid licences and registrations, while the proposed vessels must be suitable for prevailing sea conditions and hold all applicable statutory certificates.
The initiatives reflect Tamil Nadu’s efforts to expand coastal passenger connectivity, strengthen maritime links with neighbouring countries and explore new opportunities for passenger and passenger-cum-cargo ferry operations.