SAARC ferry service not likely to begin anytime soon

Indian newspapers have reported that the SAARC ferry service will not begin anytime soon, due to the companies which initially expressed interest now withdrawing their interest, claiming that the port charges are too high.

“Starting of the ferry service planned to operate between Cochin and Maldives will be delayed. The private companies are realizing that it will not be economically viable,” reports Press Trust of India (PTI), via an Official of Ministry of Shipping.

He also said that according to the companies, the fees charged at both ports are too high.

The paper further referred to the Official and reported, that the companies have informed the Indian government of the high port charges. The Indian government has, so far, not replied to them with regard to this issue.

The Maldivian and Indian governments said earlier that the ferry services will begin in February 2012.