Chennai: The Union govt informed state govt that it was not possible to approve the Rameswaram passenger terminal proposal due to fiscal constraints in “current fiscal” under Sagarmala scheme. Tamil Nadu govt was awaiting financial support from Centre to develop the terminal and resume passenger ferry service to Talaimannar in Sri Lanka. The project was announced in the Legislative Assembly in 2023. The govt built a 10,000 sqft administrative port block near the Rameswaram coast last year to house the departments of customs, immigration, Tamil Nadu Maritime Board, and health.Meanwhile, preparation of Sagarmala 2.0, a flagship programme to revolutionise maritime sector, is underway. “The state govt is meticulously following up with Centre to get sanction under Sagarmala 2.0 for the Rameswaram ferry service. The maritime board was directed by the ministry to obtain necessary environmental and CRZ clearances before the project is sanctioned,” said an official source. Technical bids are being opened to select an environmental consultant to obtain clearances. In Aug, a communication from the ministry said the proposal was “in alignment with the Sagarmala scheme” and asked state govt to comply with its suggestions on technical modifications. The maritime board prepared a detailed project report with 119 crore estimated cost, and submitted it to the ministry last year. The plan includes a T-shaped passenger jetty extending 250m from the shoreline. It is designed to accommodate vessels with a capacity of 150 passengers. The high-speed ferry will cover 26 nautical miles, enabling passengers to cross the Palk Strait in two hours. “Ferry service will boost tourism, business, trade and cultural ties between the countries,” said another official. The ferry service was previously popular among pilgrims, tourists and traders of both countries until it was discontinued in 1980 due to the civil war and security issues in the island nation.
