Ferry services to start between India and Maldives

Indian news website Business-Standard (BS) has reported that the Indian government was considering starting a ferry to the Maldives. Business-Standard reports that the Indian shipping ministry would run a passenger liner for travelers either from Cochin port or the Tuticorin port in order to boost tourism to and from the Maldives.

According to BS, K. Mohandas, secretary-shipping ministry said that, they were examining the projects and in discussion with the Maldives government on the modalities for a ferry service and development of ports for trade and tourism. BS reports that a delegation led by the secretary, shipping, along with chairpersons of Cochin and Tuticorin Port Trust, an official from DG Shipping and Shipping Corporation of India were currently visiting the Maldives.

The sea route to the Maldives is expected to take about 30 hours to travel. According to BS, Indian Government officials will visit the ports as well as the Maldives to understand the demand and the economic viability of the project. “At this stage, we don’t have any details about the cost and frequency of such a service to the Maldives. But after Sri Lanka, this is the second neighboring country to which we want to provide easy access,” Mohandas added, reports BS.

Last month, the Indian shipping ministry started a sea route to Sri Lanka from the Tuticorin port. The shipping service, which runs twice a week, costs about $50 for a passenger, with travelling time of 12 hours. The ship called Scotia Prince with capacity to ferry 1,044 passengers is operated by Flemingo Liners.

The Maldives is located towards south of Lakshadweep Islands where the Indian Navy had captured 28 Somali pirates in February this year. “The Indian Navy has been guarding the area very well ever since the last incident occurred. Security will not be an issue,” Mohandas said reports BS.

According to tourist arrival figures of the Maldives for 2009, China ranks fourth among the top 10 tourism destinations, with over 69,000 arrivals. India stands at the 10th position with over 15,800 tourists visiting the country.