Passenger and cruise ships between Kerala and Middle East have been a long-pending demand of the Malayali diaspora.
A cruise ship. Representational image. (Creative Commons)
Kerala has invited an expression of interest from competent firms for starting passenger and cruise ship services to the Middle East. The Kerala Maritime Board stated that the EOI was invited with the concurrence of the central and state governments. The services will provide an alternative, cheaper travel choice. Expats often complain of skyrocketing airfares, especially during the festival seasons.