Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 20 October 2023
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Member of Parliament representing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has voiced a compelling demand for the immediate reinstatement of the Kolkata ship service via Mayabunder, citing its essential role as a lifeline for the residents of Mayabunder and the northern regions of the archipelago.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, Sharma underscored the importance of a long-established practice where ships destined for Kolkata were scheduled to pass through Mayabunder, originating from Port Blair. This monthly or bi-monthly service aimed to provide local inhabitants with a more convenient and accessible mode of transportation, obviating the need for arduous journeys to Port Blair to access ships or flights to Kolkata.
Sharma emphasised that this service, far from merely serving the passengers, played a pivotal role in the seamless movement of cargo from the mainland to the North and Middle Andaman Islands. It contributed significantly to the region’s development, boosting economic activities and improving the lives of the islanders.
The Member of Parliament lamented the sudden and unexplained cessation of this invaluable service, leading to substantial hardships for the residents of Mayabunder and other northern regions. Compounding the difficulties, the deteriorating condition of National Highway-4 (NH-4) has made the journey to Port Blair even more challenging, further exacerbating the accessibility issues.
In response to these pressing concerns, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma urged the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to promptly reinstate the vital Kolkata ship service via Mayabunder, advocating for a frequency of at least once a month. This move, Sharma asserted, would alleviate the hardships faced by the local population and revitalise an essential lifeline for the region’s growth and development.