Rameswaram (TN), Feb 12 (PTI) Exploring the probability of resuming the suspended ferry services between India and Sri Lanka, top officials of the Shipping Corporation of India and Tuticorin Port Trust today visited Arichal Munai, a point very close to 'Ram Sethu', near here. Ferry services between Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and Talaimannar in Sri Lanka were halted in the early 1980s due to civil war in the neighbouring country. Tuticorin Port Trust Chairman Subbiah, who visited the areas along with SCI Chairman K Mohandass, said the state and Centre should negotiate with the Lankan government for resuming services. Tuticorin ferry service that saw a break due to economic and legal problems after a few months of operation June last year, would resume after the ship with a capacity to carry 1,450 passengers arrives from Shipping Corporation of India, Subbiah said. Regarding the Sethusamudram Shipping Channel project, he said suggestions regarding the alternative route have been made and they are pending before the court. SSCP proposed linking Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar between India and Sri Lanka. Work on the project was stalled after the Supreme Court reserved orders on the project and appointed an expert committee. The court was moved on the grounds that the present alignment would damage the 'Ram Sethu', a bridge believed to have been constructed by Lord Ram.

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