Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 04 December 2023
Pawan Hans Limited commenced its helicopter operations shuttling between the Islands of Andaman and Nicobar on June 2nd, 2003. However, despite two decades passing since its inception, the procedure for securing tickets has remained largely unchanged.
Both Islanders and Non-Islanders enjoy significant subsidies on the original fares for traveling within the UT of Andaman and Nicobar Islands via the services provided by Pawan Hans Limited.
As per the official website of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Islanders, individuals with medical emergencies, and government officials, including their family members, receive a 90% subsidy on the total fare. Meanwhile, Non-Islanders, tourists, and government servants on duty are provided a 75% subsidy on the total fare.
Presently, passengers are required to complete forms at specified locations, which are then reviewed by designated authorities. Tickets are subsequently issued based on their discretion.
However, public grievances have arisen due to alleged unfairness in ticket allotments. Complaints to media suggest that individuals with less urgent travel needs are many times preferred over those with critical reasons to travel promptly.
Instances have been reported where entire families of senior administrative officers secure tickets while deserving Islanders, with genuine and pressing travel requirements, are either made to wait or instructed to reapply the next day.
Widespread discrepancies and biases in ticket allocation for helicopter travel have been reported across various sectors by the general public.
Despite claims from the Administration asserting the fairness of the ticket allocation process, the actual experiences of the public tell a contrasting story.
To address these concerns and ensure transparency, there is a growing call for the development of an online ticket request and approval portal. Such a platform would allow the public to view daily ticket requests, reasons for travel, and the individuals to whom tickets are allocated, aiming to bring transparency to the allocation process.
The current high demand for helicopter travel, coupled with the evident lack of transparency in ticket allotment, emphasises the urgent need for a more equitable and transparent system.