Kerala to Gulf Passenger Ship Service: Ticket at Rs 10,000, 200 kg Luggage Allowance

The Kerala state government has initiated plans to launch passenger ship services from major ports to the Middle East. The Maritime Board, under the state government, has issued a call for applications from interested parties to operate these services from Vizhinjam, Beypore, Kollam, and Azheekal ports. Applications can be submitted both online and offline before 3 pm on April 22, according to the notification. Interested parties can download the application form from the official website www.kmb.kerala.gov.in or reach out to the Chief Executive Officer, Kerala Maritime Board, for further details.

The proposed package includes a ticket priced at Rs 10,000, allowing for 200 kg of luggage, along with provisions for food, entertainment, and a three-day trip. Initially, the project aims to conduct a test service, with plans to scale up to two trips per month if successful. The establishment of this ship service would greatly benefit expatriates residing in the Middle East. The decision to invite tenders for ship services was made by Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in a meeting held with the Shipping Corporation of India, NORKA Roots, and the Kerala Maritime Board. Despite a previous attempt to start a ship service from the UAE to Kerala, the initiative did not sustain itself in the past.