Vikas Kumar
Sri Vijaya Puram, 07 May 2025
In response to the increased demand during the summer vacation season, the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has announced a series of special sailings to meet the travel needs of the island’s residents and diaspora
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Due to the unavailability of the MV Swaraj Dweep—the lone vessel operating in the crucial Mainland-Island sector—the DSS has deployed Inter-Island vessels on the Vizag and Chennai routes. The following sailings were scheduled from Sri Vijaya Puram:
• Nalanda to Chennai via Nancowry & Campbell Bay on May 4, 2025
• MV Campbell Bay to Vizag on May 5, 2025
Passenger tickets for these sailings were issued exclusively through the Directorate’s online system, with additional support provided via the STARS ticketing counters located across various islands in the Union Territory. The counters enabled residents without internet access to easily book their tickets.
The DSS reported that the vessels sailed at full capacity, with many passengers expressing satisfaction with the smooth, queue-free ticketing experience facilitated by the online system. The initiative is part of the Directorate’s ongoing efforts to improve service efficiency and provide hassle-free travel options for islanders.
However, due to the high demand, many passengers were unable to secure tickets. In response, the Directorate has arranged for additional sailings to further accommodate travellers:
• Additional sailing to Vizag on May 14, 2025
• Additional sailing to Chennai on May 16, 2025
The Directorate of Shipping Services informed that it remains committed to improve passenger convenience to meet the aspirations of the people. (Story Based on PR)