Massive migration from Kerala to the Gulf countries for livelihood began in the 1970s as the economic boom ignited in Gulf nations. At the beginning, the migration was via sailboat. However, over the years, many eminent airlines started flying passengers from Kerala to West Asia as migration intensified. As a reminiscence of the past, a passenger ship service between the UAE and Kerala will be launched soon – the Sharjah Indian Association, in partnership with Ananthapuri Shipping and Logistics Private Limited, the government of Kerala, and the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA), is driving this ambitious project.

The service aims to provide a convenient and cost-effective mode of travel for Indian expats, as the tickets may cost around Dh442 (Rs10,000) – Dh663 (Rs15,000). The passenger ship will take roughly three days to transport passengers from Kerala to UAE, said YA Rahim, president of the Indian Association Sharjah.

“The idea is to get the service up and running before the school break in December. We want to make sure that Indian expats in the UAE can travel to their hometown without paying exorbitant airline charges,” Rahim told Khaleej Times.

According to Rahim, the Kerala government will consult with central government ministers next week. Kerala and UAE authorities are awaiting the central government”s nod to implement the project. The service can be started as soon as the permission is given, Rahim said.

The Kerala delegation is meeting Union ministers on September 24. Rahim does not cite any objection from the central authority side. The passenger ship can transport up to 1250 passengers at a time. The luggage for each passenger has been limited to 200 kgs. The authorities will ensure a diverse selection of foods and entertainment on board.

The services are scheduled from Kochi and Beypore to the UAE. After the successful implementation of these two services, the Sharjah Indian Association may launch another one from Vizhinjam, which is the first mega transshipment container terminal in India.

According to Kerala”s port minister, Ahammad Devarkovil, “It is imperative for Indian expats to start a viable mode of transportation as airline companies charge exorbitant fares to make use of the travel necessities required by Indian expats.”