Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 17 December 2024
Former Member of Parliament, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has urged the Chief Secretary to consider a proposal that aims to improve connectivity to Little Andaman Island by reducing ferry travel time. Sharma believes this initiative could significantly enhance tourism, trade, and the daily lives of island residents.
Currently, ferries operating between Phoenix Bay Jetty in Sri Vijaya Puram to Hut Bay takes approximately 7 to 8 hours, making same-day return trips unfeasible for tourists and inconvenient for locals. In contrast, ferry services to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island) allow for convenient same-day travel.
Sharma proposed shifting ferry operations for Hut Bay Sector, from Phoenix Bay Jetty to Phongi Balu Jetty, which would cut the travel time to Little Andaman by nearly half. This reduction, he stressed, would enable same-day return trips, significantly improving accessibility for tourists and residents alike.
“This change will not only improve convenience for tourists but also boost local trade and create new employment opportunities for the residents of Guptapara Panchayat,” Sharma stated. He emphasized that enhanced accessibility would make Little Andaman a more attractive destination, contributing to the region’s economic growth.
Sharma further requested a feasibility study to assess the practicality of the proposal. If implemented, he believes the initiative would promote sustainable tourism, create jobs, and improve the overall quality of life for Little Andaman’s residents.
The proposal holds the potential to transform Little Andaman into a more accessible and desirable tourist destination, boosting local businesses and drawing visitors from across the country and beyond.