Rameswaram, the island in the Gulf of Mannar, is poised to emerge as a major tourist destination with the introduction of a ferry service to Dhanushkodi and resumption of the glass-bottom boat ride in Mandapam.

Minister for Handlooms and Textiles S. Sundararaj, who inspected the Navabashanam at Devipattinam near here recently, said that the tourism department had agreed in principle to introduce the ferry service between Mandapam and Rameswaram and between Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi.

A five-member team led by Additional Director of Tourism S. Bakthavatchalam will visit the island next week to prepare a feasibility study, after which the ferry service will be introduced in the next couple of months.

In the first phase, the ferry service will be introduced between Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi, the southern tip of the island, he said.

“We are planning to introduce big vessels, which can accommodate at least 40 people and 10 safety and rescue personnel, equipped with safety gear,” he said.