Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 22 August 2023
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament representing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has made an earnest appeal to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to consider replacing the ageing MV Galathia ferry, currently operating on the vital Katchal-Kamorta route, with a more reliable vessel.
In a formal letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma voiced the concerns brought to his attention by the residents of Katchal Island. According to the MP, MV Galathia, a ferry with a history spanning over four decades, now languishes in a state of disrepair and corrosion.
Sharma emphasised that the deteriorating condition of the MV Galathia poses not only a hindrance to efficient transportation but also a grave risk to the lives of local residents who heavily rely on this ferry for their daily commuting needs.
The visual evidence of rust and corrosion adorning the vessel’s structure serves as a stark reminder of its dire state, Sharma noted. The ferry’s once brisk speed has been compromised, resulting in considerable inconvenience for passengers who rely on it for timely travel.
Furthermore, Sharma highlighted the abysmal lack of basic amenities that are considered essential for passenger comfort and safety. The vessel lacks comfortable seating arrangements, clean facilities, and adequate hygiene measures, further compounding the hardships faced by passengers during their journeys.
Given the critical role that MV Galathia plays in connecting Nancowry and Katchal Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma urged the Chief Secretary to prioritize the replacement of this ageing vessel. He argued that doing so is essential not only for the safety and well-being of the local population but also for ensuring a dependable and efficient means of transportation for these island communities.