In another significant step towards strengthening passenger shipping services between India and Sri Lanka, the Tamil Nadu State Government has initiated measures to introduce duty-free shopping facilities at the International Passenger Terminal at Nagapattinam Port in Tamil Nadu.
With the number of passengers using the India–Sri Lanka ferry service continuing to increase, the primary objective of this initiative is to enhance the passenger experience by bringing the terminal’s facilities in line with the standards of an international airport and a modern international maritime terminal.
Developed by the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board (TNMB), the terminal facilitates passenger ferry services between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai.
Since the ferry service commenced operations in August 2024, it has become an important travel link for tourists, pilgrims, business travellers, and members of the Indian and Sri Lankan diaspora from both countries.
Authorities noted that the demand for cross-border maritime connectivity has been increasing steadily, with more than 25,000 passengers having travelled through the route to date.
The proposed duty-free shops will enable international passengers to purchase selected goods exempt from customs duties and other applicable taxes, in accordance with regulations established by the Indian government.
Officials also pointed out that the growing passenger volume has created an ideal opportunity to introduce enhanced shopping experiences and other value-added services at the terminal.
The development and operation of the duty-free shopping facilities will be entrusted to a private company under an outsourcing arrangement.
Construction work is expected to begin in July, with the aim of fully opening the duty-free shops within the next six months.
The initiative is expected to further strengthen tourism and maritime trade ties between India and Sri Lanka while enhancing convenience for passengers using the ferry service.
