The Hindu Business Line : Vizhinjam-Colombo passenger service delayed further

THE commencement of Vizhinjam-Colombo passenger ship service is likely to be delayed further on account of the delay in getting the necessary clearance from the various Central agencies as well as lack of co-operation from the Department of Ports, Kerala.

Though the Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) decided to commence the service from December last, it was postponed following the objections raised by the Central Intelligence and the Union Home Ministry citing security threat. Apart from this, inadequacies in infrastructure development at the Vizhinham Port had also resulted in the indefinite delay in starting the service.

Sources in the KSINC told Business Line that the Corporation had several round of discussions with the Intelligence Department on various aspects. They are now anticipating the intervention of the State Government to break the present stalemate.

Moreover, the State Intelligence Department is understood to have submitted a report to the Government pointing out the inadequacies in the Vizhinjam Port for berthing passenger ships for customs and immigration clearance. As the port development is within the scope of the State Port's Department, they had to take the initiative in creating such facilities, the sources added.

However, the sources pointed out that the condition of the Vizhinjam Port at present was not conducive for operating passenger ships and even if formal permission was obtained from the Centre, it would be difficult to operate from here. KSINC had already submitted a proposal to the State Port authorities for developing minimum facilities for handling the passengers and traffic. But the port is yet to respond positively to the proposal, the sources said and added that setting up of the minimum facilities would require only an amount of Rs 20 lakh.

Starting the service from Kochi Port would be expensive due to higher port charges.

KSINC has entered into an agreement with Golden Cruise Line (Pvt) Ltd, Colombo for operating the service. As per the agreement, KSINC will work as their shipping agents to facilitate safe berthing of the passenger ship, baggage and immigration clearance of passengers etc. Until early 80's there was a rail-ferry link between Colombo and India, which was disrupted due to change in bilateral relations. Considerable number of passengers used this link till it was stopped. They have to now depend solely on air travel, which is very expensive.

The promoters of the ship service are proposed to charge less than $100 against more than Rs 10,600 for air travel. The ferry service proposes to offer free baggage allowance of 100 kg per passenger as against 20 kg in air travel.