A newly started ferry service between India and Sri Lanka is becoming more popular and the group which operates the ferry from the Indian side, Flemingo Liners plans to add more services, an official said. 

Flemingo chief executive P K Thimmaya said the twice weekly ferry which now carries about 250 passengers after starting with half that number.

The vessel, Scotia Prince has space for 1,044 passengers with economy and luxury cabins and duty free sales.

Flemingo has also won the franchise to operate the second duty free outlet at Sri Lanka's main airport in Katunayake.

Thimmaya said the firm may add other services such as a casino to the ferry, for which it has facilities.

Some passengers have also started to make use of a facility to take their cars across the Palk Straits. An owner needs a 'carnet' covered by a bank guarantee to take cars across borders.

Thimmaya said several passengers including a drivers from Britain and Australia and taken cars across the ferry.
(Lanka Business Online-02082011)