India and Sri Lanka made an attempt in promoting tourism between two countries. They will be signing an agreement to begin ferry service between Tamil Nadu and the island nation of Sri Lanka. It will help in enhancing tourism between two countries. Both the countries are looking towards this agreement with enthusiasm. This agreement will also help to strengthen relations between two countries.

An official of shipping ministry told to PTI that the proposal will be send to the Cabinet for approval. After that Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed for the same. The ferry service would be from Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu to Colombo in Sri Lanka and Rameswaram to Thalaimannar respectively.

It has been said that both ferry services will be available for cargo as well as passenger traffic. But main purpose of this ferry service is tourism.  The official said that vessels will be coming from a private party. But he refused to provide all details.  He also told that the proposal will go to the Cabinet soon and MoU is expected to be signed by December this year.

It takes approximately ten hours to travel by sea from Tuticorin to Colombo and three hours to travel from Rameswaram to Thalaimannar. Presently India has cargo operations from Tuticorin Port to Sri Lanka.

It has been reported that government is looking to invest $20.8 billion in 276 projects. The project will extend over 13 major ports. The ports are Mumbai, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, and Kolkata along with Haldia, Chennai, Visakhapatanam, Cochin, Paradip, New Mangalore, Marmagao, Ennore, Tuticorin and Kandla.