Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 22 November 2025
A delegation from the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), led by President Mr. M. Vinod, called on Chief Secretary Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar on 21st November 2025, and raised several key issues related to tourist movement, passenger convenience, and traffic management across major jetties in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The delegation, which included General Secretary Mr. K. Hamza and Joint Secretary Mr. Saikat Biswas, highlighted the need to discontinue the ₹20 parking fee for tourist vehicles picking up tourists from Haddo Passenger Terminal, provide battery-operated carts for senior citizens and differently-abled passengers at Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep, and construct shaded walkways to improve comfort during ferry boarding and deboarding.
Other demands presented before the Administration included reopening temporarily closed passenger sheds, upgrading toilet facilities, and ensuring availability of functional luggage trolleys at all important jetties to streamline passenger handling.
Officials said the Chief Secretary responded positively and agreed to all concerns raised, directing the departments concerned to take swift corrective measures. He assured that these improvements would be prioritised to enhance the overall tourism experience in the Islands.
Expressing gratitude for the prompt response, AATO President Mr. M. Vinod said the proactive decision-making reflects the Administration’s commitment to ensuring smooth, safe, and comfortable travel for both visitors and residents.
AATO reaffirmed that it will continue working in close coordination with the Administration to strengthen tourism infrastructure and promote sustainable and visitor-friendly development across the archipelago.
