Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 15 October 2025
Local residents, social workers, political leaders and PRIs have urged the A&N Administration to take urgent measures to address the mounting difficulties faced by the public due to irregular ferry services between Chatham and Bambooflat, the prolonged closure of the Chatham Bridge, and deteriorating road conditions.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, several social workers and local representatives highlighted the impact on daily commuters, students, office-goers, and emergency services. They noted that the untimely and irregular operation of ferries has caused significant inconvenience, particularly for ambulances, which often face delays due to the unavailability of vehicle ferries.
The letter also requested authorities to allow an attendant vehicle to accompany ambulances or mortuary vans during night crossings and urged that ferries wait for the return of emergency vehicles to ensure continuous access.
Residents emphasized the hardship faced by elderly passengers, schoolchildren, and the general public, who are forced to walk nearly a kilometer from Chatham Jetty to find onward transport, a situation exacerbated during adverse weather and with no pedestrian walkway on the bridge.
The signatories also called for updates on the status of Chatham Bridge repairs, which has been closed for over three months, and raised concerns about gate management at Marine Jetty, where vehicle boarding gates reportedly open only half an hour before departure, causing chaos among commuters.
Additionally, the letter highlighted the poor condition of the State Highway connecting Ferrargunj Tehsil and nearby areas, citing large potholes, broken surfaces, and inadequate drainage, further hampering safe and smooth travel.
The signatories urged immediate and coordinated action to ensure timely ferry operations, 24/7 emergency vehicle access, safe alternatives for commuters, and prompt road repairs. The concerns, they noted, are backed by local transport operators, driver unions, and elected representatives.
Copies of the letter were also sent to the Secretary of Shipping, Director of Shipping Services, the Chief Engineer of the Andaman Public Works Department, and the Superintendent of Police, South Andaman District.
A response has been requested from the authorities on the proposed course of action within a week.
The letter was signed by P. Samsuddin, Social Worker, Stewart Gunj; P. Abdul Basheer, Pradhan, GP Kanyapuram; A. Mohammed Khais, Block President, Wimberly Gunj; Nambi KT, Social Worker, Wimberly Gunj; Venkat Ram Babu, Pradhan, Wimberly Gunj; PK Zubair, Social Worker, Lamba Pahad; Abhi Bhushan Ghosh, Block President – Congress, Bambooflat; and Sadaqatulla H, Social Worker, Kanyapuram.
