KKS port expansion underway to facilitate launch Sri Lanka and India ferry service

The Navy has launched a major construction project to expand the Kankesanthurai habour to facilitate the commencement of passenger ferry services between Kankesanthurai port and Pondicherry, India.

The Navy headquarters said that the project was meant to provide a more affordable and convenient mode of transportation.

“In support of this project, we have commenced facility expansion at the Kankasanthurai harbour with a view to accommodating more traffic and provide better infrastructure,” a senior navy officer said.

According to Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the Navy is playing an active role in supporting the expansion of the facilities at the Kankasanthurai harbour using its manpower and expertise in response to a request of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation. Accordingly, the project got underway on 01 February, with skilled manpower and industrial expertise provided by the Navy.

The Sri Lanka Navy has undertaken the construction of a passenger terminal for immigration and customs clearance of people who intend to use this passenger ferry service. Required materials for the construction work are provided by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

A group of 60 naval personnel are engaged in the construction of a 1,000 square meter passenger terminal, under the supervision of naval civil engineering officers. The construction work of the passenger terminal will be completed soon and thereupon the facility will be handed over to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority for its operational purposes.

The passenger ferry service project is part of a larger effort to strengthen longstanding ties between India and Sri Lanka, with the focus on improving tourism.