THOOTHUKUDI: Union Minister for Shipping G K Vasan on Monday flagged off MV Scotia Prince here on Monday while marking the launch of much-awaited passenger ferry service from Thoothukudi to Colombo.With a total of 201 passengers on board, including 80 goodwill ambassadors and 121 public, the vessel started its voyage from additional berth of VOC Port on Monday. The voyage is expected to last 14 hours and would reach Colombo on Tuesday morning. The service, a twice-a-week schedule initially, is expected to strengthen cordial relationship between Sri Lanka and India.With launch of this service, the dreams of the legendary freedom fighter V O Chidambaranar has come true, hailed Vasan while addressing reporters here. He noted that first Swadeshi passenger shipping Service was launched by VOC during 1907 against the British. However, the passenger service between Thoothukudi and Colombo was stopped.This service is dedicated to the patriotic leader VOC, told Vasan. He thanked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi for their effort in launching the service.The tariff of the ferry service is comparatively cheaper than air travel and suits all class of people, the minister added. Middle class people would be more benefited, he said. According to him, preparatory works are under way for operating ferry service between Rameswaram and Thalaimannar and service would commence once all the works had been completed.Vasan mentioned that a resolution was passed in Tamil Nadu Assembly on imposing economic ban on Sri Lanka, which the Congress backed.
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