Daily Current Affairs : 17-October-2023
In a significant development, an ancient maritime route connecting India and Sri Lanka has been revived with the introduction of a passenger ferry service from Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu to Kankesanthurai in Jaffna, Northern Sri Lanka. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the bilateral relations between the two nations and holds immense potential for tourism and trade on both shores.
Key Details:
- The initiative aims to strengthen bilateral ties, enhance tourism, and foster people-to-people relations.
- Local traders in both India and Sri Lanka are expected to benefit from the newly established ferry service.
- The vessel facilitating this journey is a High-Speed Craft named ‘Cheriyapani’.
Historical Context:
The newly inaugurated service is a revival of the Indo-Ceylon Express, also known as the Boat Mail, which operated between Chennai and Colombo via the Thoothukudi port from the early 1900s until 1982. The civil war in Sri Lanka led to the suspension of these services, disrupting the age-old connection that once existed. Notably, before the civil unrest, the route from Dhanushkodi to Talaimannar was among the most popular sea passages connecting the two countries.
Potential Impact:
- Religious Tourism Boost: The ferry service is poised to amplify religious tourism in the coastal regions of both India and Sri Lanka. Indian pilgrimage centers like Nagapattinam, Nagore, Velankanni, Thirunallar, as well as temple towns such as Thanjavur, Madurai, and Tiruchi, are expected to witness an influx of Sri Lankan tourists.
- Economic Opportunities: Beyond religious tourism, the ferry service holds the potential to significantly boost regional commerce and trade between the two nations, benefiting local economies.
Challenges Faced:
- Operational Difficulties: The Shipping Corporation of India’s initial plan to run daily services for ten days had to be rescheduled due to operational challenges. The ferry service is currently operating thrice a week, posing a limitation on its accessibility.
- Fare and Ticketing System: Another challenge lies in the ticket fare, which is approximately Rs 7,670, posing affordability issues for many potential passengers. Additionally, the lack of efficient ticketing systems hampers the ease of booking. To address this, there is a pressing need to reduce ticket rates and make booking available through popular travel platforms.
Important Points:
- Historical Context:
- Revival of the Indo-Ceylon Express or Boat Mail, an age-old sea route between Chennai and Colombo via Thoothukudi port.
- Disruption of services in 1982 due to the civil war in Sri Lanka.
- Potential Impact:
- Amplification of religious tourism in coastal regions of India and Sri Lanka.
- Expected influx of Sri Lankan tourists to Indian pilgrimage centers and temple towns.
- Significant boost to regional commerce and trade between the two nations.
- Challenges Faced:
- Operational challenges leading to a reduced frequency of services from daily to thrice a week.
- High ticket fare (approximately Rs 7,670) posing affordability issues for potential passengers.
- Inefficient ticketing systems hindering the ease of booking.
- Recommendations:
- Increase the frequency of ferry services to enhance accessibility for travelers.
- Reduce ticket rates to make the service more affordable and accessible to a wider audience.
- Implement efficient ticketing systems, possibly through popular travel platforms, to streamline the booking process and encourage more passengers.
Why In News
The age-old sea route between India and Sri Lanka has been rejuvenated with the inauguration of a passenger ferry service from Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu to Kankesanthurai in Jaffna, Northern Sri Lanka, enhancing cultural exchanges and fostering stronger ties between the two nations.
MCQs about Bridging Borders:Revitalizing India-Sri Lanka Ferry Service
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What is the main objective of the recently inaugurated ferry service between Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, and Kankesanthurai, Jaffna, Sri Lanka?
A. To promote bilateral trade between India and Sri Lanka
B. To enhance cultural exchanges between the two nations
C. To boost tourism, strengthen bilateral ties, and foster people-to-people relations
D. To facilitate faster transportation of goods and services
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What historical sea route was revived by the inauguration of the passenger ferry service?
A) Chennai to Colombo via Thoothukudi port
B) Mumbai to Galle via Arabian Sea
C) Kolkata to Trincomalee via Bay of Bengal
D) Vishakhapatnam to Hambantota via Indian Ocean
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What potential impact does the ferry service have on tourism in the coastal regions of India and Sri Lanka?
A) It boosts adventure tourism through water sports
B) It amplifies religious tourism and cultural exchanges
C) It enhances wildlife tourism in coastal sanctuaries
D) It facilitates eco-tourism through nature trails
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What is one of the key challenges faced by the ferry service?
A) Insufficient demand leading to underutilization
B) Limited availability of docking facilities
C) High ticket fare and inefficient ticketing systems
D) Unfavorable weather conditions affecting sailings
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