The first dedicated cargo ferry service between India and Maldives is all set to start operations from Tuticorin on September 20. The cargo vessel will leave Tuticorin on September 20 and will be received at Cochin Port Trust on September 22. It will reach Maldives on September 26 and will have a return voyage from there on October 1. There will be two or three services every month. The starting of the service is an important milestone in the geo-economic and political relations between the two countries and it would be a big boost for business communities in the both the countries to expand their business and trade relations. This important step has been initiated to actualise the proposed ferry service following the feasibility study conducted by FICCI with the High Commission of Maldives to assess the potential of Exim trade between the two countries and the economic viability of commencing the cargo ferry service after the Prime Minister’s announcement last year.