Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 10 May 2024
Residents of the Nicobar group of islands are facing mounting frustration as irregular helicopter services continue to disrupt essential travel. With just one out of three Pawan Hans helicopters currently operational due to dearth of pilots, residents are left stranded, grappling with the dearth of transportation options in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The situation has escalated this week, particularly in Campbell Bay, where residents experienced consecutive cancellations of helicopter services on Tuesday and Wednesday. While the Indian Air Force’s Dornier service offered a limited alternative route between Port Blair and Campbell Bay via Car Nicobar on Monday and Friday, the uncertainty looms large over whether helicopter services would be available on Saturday.
The repercussions of these cancellations have been severe, especially for those with urgent travel needs, such as for medical treatment. With a backlog of passengers accumulating in Campbell Bay seeking to reach Port Blair, frustrations have reached a boiling point.
Sources reveal that the root cause of these disruptions lies in the shortage of pilots. Allegedly, pilots have been diverted to the mainland to support political campaigns for the ongoing General Election to the Lok Sabha – 2024, leaving the remote islands underserved and vulnerable.
Critics condemn this decision as irresponsible, highlighting the dire consequences for the common populace. Without viable transportation alternatives, residents are left stranded, unable to access essential services and medical care in a timely manner.
As the community grapples with the repercussions of unreliable transportation, calls for urgent action to address the pilot shortage and restore regular helicopter services resonate across the islands. The authorities are under mounting pressure to prioritise the welfare of residents and ensure seamless connectivity to the remote regions of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.