In the wake of the increased arrival of tourists from the cruise vessel, ‘Scotia Prince,' which is being operated twice a week between Tuticorin and Colombo ports, seating arrangements at the arrival hall had been enhanced, said A. Subbiah, Chairman of Tuticorin Port.

Additional 150 chairs had been provided at a cost of Rs. 1 lakh. Besides, television sets and a snack bar had been provided at the waiting hall, he said.

The terminal was established ahead of the launch of ferry service between Tuticorin and Colombo. G.K. Vasan, Indian Union Minister of Shipping, launched the ferry service on June 13.

With the additional facilities, the terminal could handle 1,500 passengers at a time. In order to meet the growing demands of tourists, passenger amenities have been enhanced. Since the annual feast festival of Our Lady of Snows Shrine Basilica, Tuticorin was under way, a large number of Sri Lankan nationals were expected to visit the port town. The feast day is scheduled for August 5 which marks the culmination of the 11-day festival in Tuticorin. Hence, the arrival of tourists is expected to be rise in the coming days, stated The Hindu.

The passenger terminal, which was established at a cost of Rs. 2 crore, was inaugurated by Mr. Vasan, on January 24. Earlier, the terminal was equipped with 450 chairs to handle 1,350 passengers. Since the start of the international ferry service between India and Sri Lanka, 2,147 passengers had sailed across to Sri Lanka and 1,381 passengers had come to Tuticorin.