Chennai: Tamil Nadu Maritime Board (TNMB) has invited expressions of interest from ferry operators to run passenger services connecting Chennai, Mamallapuram and Puducherry.According to tender documents, the ferry service will operate over 80 nautical miles, starting at the cruise passenger terminal at Dr Ambedkar Dock in Chennai Port, capable of accommodating large vessels. It will end at Puducherry Port, which has a 150m berth suitable for passenger ferries with a draft of up to 2m. Mamallapuram, a Unesco World Heritage site, has no berthing infrastructure for ferries. “Dedicated shore infrastructure may be developed, subject to learances,” the document said.Separately, TNMB has proposed introducing a multi-operator model for the Nagapattinam-Kankesanthurai (Jaffna) passenger ferry service, allowing operators to run vessels on the India-Sri Lanka route. The move is aimed at providing more sailing options, improving frequency and increasing passenger capacity.The service was revived and launched in Oct 2023, restoring direct maritime passenger connectivity between India and Sri Lanka after nearly four decades of disruption. According to the project document, the route has recorded more than 66,000 passenger movements since its revival — 24,598 in 2025 and another 20,977 up to Aug 2026. TNMB cited the sustained demand as an opportunity to introduce additional operators.The proposed model will use existing passenger terminals and facilities at Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai, subject to the safety, security, immigration and other statutory requirements of the two countries. The board has identified potential for passenger-cum-cargo ferry operations. Between Jan and June 2026, 10,902 TEUs of cargo were exported and 7,091 TEUs imported between India and Sri Lanka, indicating two-way trade potential.Nagapattinam’s existing terminal can handle more than 300 passengers at a time. Its berth has a depth of 1.8m and can accommodate vessels with a draft of up to 1.5m.Interested operators must be registered firms, companies, LLPs or sole proprietorships in India or abroad and have at least three years of experience in operating passenger ferries with a minimum capacity of 50 passengers during the five years up to Aug 31, 2026. They must own a high-speed craft or have a lease agreement for at least one year, besides possessing valid licences and registrations. The proposed vessels should be suitable for the prevailing sea conditions and hold statutory certificates.
