Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 16 October 2024
In July and August of this year, residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands faced shortages of certain essential commodities due to disruptions in cargo transportation services between Sri Vijaya Puram and Chennai. The local business community grew increasingly concerned as the routine berthing arrangements at Chennai Port were affected by a new order issued by the Chairperson of the Chennai Port Authority (ChPA).
M/s TCI Seaways, the only shipping company servicing this vital route, experienced delays in early berthing, timely loading, and departure of vessels. These disruptions led to a growing sense of uncertainty among islanders and businesses relying on the steady flow of goods to the islands.
Upon hearing about the issue, the Member of Parliament for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray acted swiftly, traveling to Chennai to meet with the Chairperson of Chennai Port Authority. The MP urged the port authorities to address the matter and prioritise early berthing and loading for Andaman bound cargo ships.
Additionally, the MP penned a detailed letter to Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, the Hon’ble Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, requesting his intervention to resolve the issue. The letter highlighted the urgency of ensuring that TCI Seaways’ ships bound for Sri Vijaya Puram are not delayed, as such delays would impact the availability of essential commodities in the islands.
In response, Minister Sonowal assured the MP that necessary steps were being taken to prioritise the berthing, loading, and departure of cargo ships servicing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Minister confirmed that the Chennai Port Authority had been instructed to give priority to ships heading to and from the islands, ensuring that essential supplies reach the islands on time.
With this intervention, it is expected that the normal supply of essential commodities to Andaman and Nicobar Islands will continue without disruption, easing the concerns of both the business community and the residents.