Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 22 March 2024
Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) has unveiled a new fare structure for ship journeys across inter-island, foreshore, harbour, and mainland sectors, effective from April 1st, 2024, signalling a rise in travel costs for both Islanders and Non-Islanders.
Over the years, the expense of ship travel, particularly aboard newer vessels of the DSS like Sindhu and Nalanda, has steadily increased, placing a significant financial burden on residents of the islands. This hike in fares has been a matter of concern, particularly for non-Islander spouses and relatives of Islanders who often find themselves facing financial hurdles while traveling.
Effective from April 1st, 2024, passengers traveling in the Port Blair – Campbell Bay Sector aboard Sindhu and Nalanda vessels will witness a noticeable increase in ticket prices. Islanders will be required to pay an additional Rs. 155 for Deluxe Class, Rs. 125 for First Class, Rs. 95 for Second Class, Rs. 65 for Bunk Class, and Rs. 35 for seat accommodations.
Sindhu/Nalanda Vessel (Port Blair-Campbell Bay & Campbell Bay-Port Blair Sectors) Fare Increase in INR from FY 2023-24 to FY 2024-25:
| Deluxe | First Class | Second Class | Bunk | Seat | |
| Islanders | 155 | 125 | 95 | 65 | 35 |
| Non-Islanders | 270 | 250 | 250 | 190 | 165 |
Non-Islanders, on the other hand, will face even steeper hikes, with ticket prices escalating by Rs. 270 for Deluxe Class, Rs. 250 for First Class, Rs. 250 for Second Class, Rs. 190 for Bunk Class, and Rs. 165 for seat accommodations in the Port Blair – Campbell Bay Sector aboard Sindhu and Nalanda vessels.
The disparity in fares between Islanders and Non-Islanders is stark, with the new fares for Non-Islanders reaching Rs. 2395 more than Islanders for Deluxe Class, Rs. 2600 more for First Class, Rs. 3245 more for Second Class, Rs. 2605 more for Bunk Class, and Rs. 835 more for seat accommodations in the Port Blair – Campbell Bay Sector aboard Sindhu and Nalanda vessels.
Sindhu/Nalanda Vessel Existing ( FY 2023-24) & New (FY 2024-25) Fares (Port Blair-Campbell Bay & Campbell Bay-Port Blair Sectors):
| Deluxe Existing (2023-2024) | Deluxe New (2024-2025) | First Class Existing (2023-2024) | First Class New (2024-2025) | 2nd ClassExisting (2023-2024) | 2nd Class New (2024-2025) | Bunk Existing (2023-2024) | Bunk New (2024-2025) | Seat Existing (2023-2024) | Seat New (2024-2025) | |
| Islanders | 3100 | 3255 | 2480 | 2605 | 1860 | 1955 | 1240 | 1305 | 620 | 655 |
| Non-Islanders | 5380 | 5650 | 4955 | 5205 | 4950 | 5200 | 3720 | 3910 | 1325 | 1490 |
| Difference (Between Non -Islander and Islander Fare) | 2280 | 2395 | 2475 | 2600 | 3090 | 3245 | 2480 | 2605 | 705 | 835 |
The substantial increase in fares for both Islanders and Non-Islanders, particularly on routes served by modern vessels like Sindhu and Nalanda, has raised concerns among residents of remote areas such as Great Nicobar Island. Many residents rely on travel to Port Blair for various reasons, including medical treatment and onward journeys to the mainland.
With the fare revision set to take effect on April 1st, 2024, passengers are urged to refer to the DSS website for detailed information on revised fares across all sectors.