Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 21 March 2025
K Venkat Ram Babu, State President of the Jana Sena Party (JSPAN) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands & Pradhan of GP Wimberly Gunj, has urged the Hon’ble Lt. Governor to intervene and halt the announced annual increase in passenger and vehicle ferry charges in the harbour ferry sectors for 2025-2026.
In a letter addressed to the Lt. Governor, Venkat highlighted the financial strain caused by the recurring annual fare hikes on daily commuters and vehicle owners who rely heavily on the ferry services for their livelihood and transportation.
According to the letter, the passenger fare for the Bambooflat to Chatham ferry route has been increased from ₹14 to ₹15, effective from April 1, 2025. Similarly, the charges for two-wheelers have risen from ₹55 to ₹60. Venkat expressed concern that these annual fare revisions are becoming a burden on the common people, particularly those who depend on these services daily.
“The ferry services are a lifeline for the residents of the islands, and any increase in charges directly impacts the cost of living and travel expenses,” Venkat emphasised in his appeal. He requested the Lt. Governor to intervene and consider regulating or stopping the annual fare hikes to provide much-needed relief to the islanders.
As ferry services are an essential mode of transportation for the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Jana Sena Party hopes that the administration will take prompt action to address the concerns of the public.