Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 16 August 2025
Traders and residents of Katchal Island have closed their shops today, August 16, from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, to protest the prolonged absence of direct services by the vessels Nalanda and Sindhu at Katchal Port. The shutdown highlights a growing shortage of essential commodities affecting daily life and local businesses on the island.
Speaking to Nicobar Times over the phone, a trader said, “For more than two months, no direct passenger or cargo services by Nalanda and Sindhu have called at Katchal Port. This prolonged absence has caused a critical shortage of essential goods, including food, medical supplies, and other vital commodities. Traders are struggling to restock their inventories, and residents are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their daily needs.”
The trader explained that Katchal Island relies heavily on direct shipping services as a lifeline for both people and commerce. “Without direct sailings, our shops cannot function normally, businesses are suffering financial losses, and the community’s access to essential supplies is severely restricted,” he said.
As part of their protest, all shops on the island have been closed for the day to draw attention to the urgent need for intervention. Traders have submitted a letter to the Special Relief Officer (SRO), Katchal Island, urging immediate action.
The traders have outlined specific demands to address the situation:
1. Immediate Resumption of Direct Services: Nalanda and Sindhu must resume direct sailings to Katchal Island without further delay to restore the flow of essential goods and cargo.
2. Transparent Scheduling: Authorities should provide a clear and consistent schedule for vessel visits to Katchal Port, enabling traders and residents to plan their supplies and business operations effectively.
3. Emergency Delivery of Essentials: Until regular direct services are restored, immediate arrangements should be made for the delivery of essential commodities, including food and medical supplies, to alleviate ongoing hardships.
Representatives of the traders emphasized that the situation has reached a critical point. “The community cannot sustain itself without regular direct services. Immediate action is necessary to prevent further hardships.
The protest today serves as a reminder of how dependent remote islands like Katchal are on direct maritime services for survival and daily functioning. Residents and business owners are urging the administration to act quickly to restore regular sailings and provide relief before the shortages worsen further.
