Representational Picture | Photograph Credit score: H. Vibhu
The Tamil Nadu Maritime Board (TNMB) is analyzing a proposal to introduce a ferry-based coastal tourism community connecting Nagapattinam, Velankanni, Tharangambadi (Tranquebar), Poompuhar, and Kodiyakkarai, with a potential extension to Vedaranyam.
The initiative goals to create a seamless coastal journey expertise that might considerably increase regional tourism and native livelihoods alongside the jap coast.
A senior TNMB official instructed The Hindu that the proposed hall would hyperlink a number of non secular, ecological, and heritage locations in a single journey circuit.
“The Nagapattinam Cruise Terminal is already operational, and we at the moment are finding out the feasibility of connecting close by coastal cities by ferry,” the official mentioned. “The concept is to let vacationers who go to any of those cities — Velankanni, Poompuhar or Kodiyakkarai— journey throughout the shoreline by sea. It can diversify journey choices and provides a significant fillip to the native economic system.”
Preparation of DPR
The Maritime Board plans to nominate a advisor inside 4 to 5 months to arrange a Detailed Mission Report (DPR). The report is anticipated by mid-2026, after which it will likely be submitted to the State authorities after which to the Middle for funding beneath the Sagarmala 2.0 scheme. The plan consists of developing small passenger jetties and deploying ferries with a capability of round 100 passengers.
The venture falls beneath the bigger Nagapattinam Tourism Promotion Committee, chaired by District Collector P. Akash, which has been actively selling water sports activities, eco-tourism, and cultural trails within the area.
Nagapattinam already operates a global ferry to Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka, which has been gaining traction since its resumption in 2023 after a almost 40-year hiatusThe brand new home route would complement it by encouraging multi-destination tourism inside Tamil Nadu’s coast.
tourism increase
“The hall may assist convert quick pilgrimages into multi-day excursions, permitting guests to discover lesser-known locations akin to Sikkal, Sirkazhi, and Thirukadaiyur, all situated inside 20–40 km of the ferry factors,” mentioned a district tourism official.
Authorities acknowledge environmental considerations, notably round Kodiyakkarai. “We’re conscious of its ecological fragility,” a senior official mentioned. “Therefore, Vedaranyam is being examined as a viable hub for ferry operations to cut back ecological strain whereas guaranteeing connectivity.”
As soon as the DPR is finalised, the federal government will name for tenders to determine an operator. Building of jetties and supporting facilities will comply with, topic to environmental clearance. If carried out responsibly, officers consider the initiative may make Tamil Nadu a mannequin for sustainable coastal tourism, mixing heritage, ecology, and facilitating livelihoods.
Printed – November 05, 2025 03:53 pm IST