Private sector steps in to resume Beypore-Lakshadweep passenger ship service

Image for representation. A private passenger ship service between Beypore and Lakshadweep is set to commence operations following the arrival of the vessel Theja at the Beypore port on Thursday (November 12, 2026).The initiative aims to restore maritime connectivity that has faced prolonged interruptions. As part of the trial, the ship, capable of accommodating 250 passengers, anchored safely at the port wharf in the morning. Official clearance procedures and regulatory approvals are in progress, with the maiden commercial run anticipated this month.According to port officials, the initiative aligns with Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s ‘Mission Samudra’ development framework, which seeks to leverage Keralam’s extensive coastline and port infrastructure to catalyse new economic and commercial prospects. Representatives of the operating company had recently met the Chief Minister to brief him about the project’s progress and strategic importance, they said.Stakeholders noted that beyond streamlining passenger transit, the service would give a fresh momentum for maritime tourism at the historically significant Beypore port, while strengthening socio-economic and commercial ties between Keralam and the archipelago. Published - November 12, 2026 08:01 pm IST