Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 08 May 2024
Member of Parliament representing Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, has urged the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration to bolster the frequency of ship sailings between Car Nicobar and Port Blair, especially during the current vacation period. His proposal entails scheduling MV Kalighat, Sindhu, or Nalanda to operate thrice a month, aiming to provide residents with regular and dependable transportation options.
In a formal letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, the Member of Parliament highlighted the substantial hardships faced by numerous individuals, including Car Nicobar residents and government employees stationed there, due to the limited availability of ships and the considerable gaps in their travel schedules between Car Nicobar and Port Blair.
Citing the commencement of the summer vacation, Sharma emphasised a surge in the number of individuals seeking to travel between Car Nicobar and Port Blair. However, the existing ship schedule presents significant challenges for residents.
Sharma pointed out that the most recent ship scheduled for Car Nicobar departed on May 2nd, with the subsequent scheduled voyage not until May 9th, which would only reach Car Nicobar via Kamorta on its return journey. Following this, the next scheduled ship after May 9th is slated for May 23rd, arriving at Car Nicobar on May 25th. Such extended intervals between sailings are causing immense inconvenience and distress for residents. Additionally, the delays in ship schedules and the unavailability of ships are resulting in difficulties for Car Nicobar residents in obtaining timely access to vegetables and other essential commodities.
Given these pressing challenges, Sharma appealed for an enhancement of ship services between Car Nicobar and Port Blair during the ongoing vacation period. He stressed the critical importance of addressing the transportation needs of residents and ensuring the timely availability of essential goods to alleviate the hardships faced by the community.