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Tourists from India can now drive in their own vehicle to Colombo with the newly launched “Drive in-Drive out” facility on “Scotia Prince”, India's first international passenger ferry service between Tuticorin and Colombo from Flemingo Liners.
New feature
The new facility will enable tourists to take their vehicles along with them in the ferry and drive around Sri Lanka – this could be a huge saving for the long-staying travellers who need to spend time and money on local transport.
How to
The first passengers to avail this facility on board Scotia Prince were two Australians who took their jeep from India to Sri Lanka. They had obtained the certificate from the Australian Automobile Association.
For Indians to avail the facility, they need to obtain the “Carnet de Passage” document from the Automobile Association of India, costing Rs 5,000.
On reaching Sri Lanka, the passenger should approach the local Automobile Association to obtain a temporary registration certificate to go around the country in their own vehicle.
Other requirements
Other things to be kept in mind while availing the facility are that it is for tourists who would return in six months to a year and need to give a bank guarantee.
The tourist needs to be a member of the Automobile Association, which will cost Rs 4,412 for a lifetime membership.
They also need to get their vehicles inspected and have to declare the tools that they are taking with them.
Mr P.K Thimmayya, Chief Executive Officer, Flemingo Liners, said the new service will open up an entirely new category of clientele, who will like to travel in their own car into Sri Lanka and vice-versa.
As baggage
The vehicles will be checked inside the ship as a registered baggage, which the passenger can claim on reaching the destination.
The facility promises to be a boost for the tourism industry between India and Sri Lanka.
With more people trying to venture into newer options of spending their vacations, Flemingo Liners will give these tourists their much awaited international holidaying experience with this unique feature, he said.
Flemingo Liners is the latest venture from Flemingo Duty Free Shop Pvt Ltd.
The company's ship Scotia Prince with nine levels can carry up to 1,044 passengers.
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