Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Shipping Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation of Maldives, Aishath Nahul jointly e-launched a direct cargo ferry service between India and the Maldives early this week. During its maiden voyage, a vessel with a capacity of 200 TEU and 3000 MT of breakbulk cargo is sailing from Tuticorin to Kochi. It is scheduled to reach Kulhudhuffushi on September 26, 2020 and Male on September 29, 2020. This ferry service will run twice a month and will provide a cost-effective, direct and alternative means of transportation of goods between India and Maldives.