The Tamil Nadu Maritime Board (TNMB) has invited expressions of interest from experienced ferry operators to establish a passenger service connecting Chennai, Mamallapuram, and Puducherry. According to The Hindu BusinessLine, the proposal seeks to create an integrated coastal tourism circuit along the Bay of Bengal, offering an alternative to the predominantly road-based transport currently used between these locations. The initiative is designed to be implemented in coordination with the central government, the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry state administrations, and relevant port and regulatory authorities.
Prospective operators are required to demonstrate the financial strength and operational experience necessary to manage vessel operations, crewing, maintenance, and statutory clearances. The tender document outlines that the service would cater to both leisure tourists and general passengers. However, the project faces distinct infrastructure hurdles, particularly at Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The board noted that no berthing infrastructure currently exists at this location, and any future development of shore facilities would be subject to strict environmental and heritage clearances. In contrast, the Puducherry Port possesses an existing 150-meter berth capable of accommodating vessels with a draft of up to two meters, facilitating direct embarkation and disembarkation. Chennai Port offers an International Cruise Passenger Terminal at Dr. Ambedkar Dock, which can handle vessels up to 340 meters in length.
Operational viability remains a critical factor in the board’s assessment. The proposed route traverses open coastal waters heavily influenced by the south-west and north-east monsoons. The Tamil Nadu Maritime Board has explicitly asked applicants to assess prevailing sea conditions and propose vessels suited to these seasonal variations. The number of operational days per year, driven by weather patterns and vessel seaworthiness, will significantly impact the service's economic feasibility. The board is also seeking operators' assessments of realistic passenger demand, suitable service frequency, and appropriate vessel capacity, noting that actual ridership will depend on ticket pricing, journey time, and the overall passenger experience compared to road travel.
The expression of interest requires companies to submit detailed proposals that address these complex operational and infrastructural realities. By inviting operators to evaluate the route's challenges, the TNMB aims to identify a partner capable of sustaining a reliable service amidst the environmental constraints of the Bay of Bengal. The outcome of this tender process will determine whether the ambitious plan to link these three coastal hubs by sea can proceed to the implementation phase.