Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 06 June 2023
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament representing Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has appealed to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of the region to enhance the frequency of the Indian Air Force Dornier aircraft service in order to improve connectivity between Port Blair, Car Nicobar, and Campbell Bay.
The existing service, jointly operated by the Directorate of Civil Aviation and the Andaman and Nicobar Command, has been instrumental in enhancing air transportation to the remote Nicobar District.
In a letter addressed to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, Mr. Sharma expressed appreciation for the current Indian Air Force Dornier aircraft service, which currently operates twice a week on the Port Blair – Car Nicobar – Campbell Bay and Campbell Bay – Car Nicobar – Port Blair routes. Since its launch on August 5, 2016, the service has served as a lifeline for the residents of Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the service resumed operations in November 2021 and has consistently demonstrated reliability and efficiency.
Given the scattered geography of the Islands and the associated transportation difficulties, the Member of Parliament urged the Hon’ble Lt. Governor to consider increasing the frequency of the Indian Air Force Dornier aircraft service.
He proposed either a daily service or, at a minimum, four times a week on the Port Blair – Car Nicobar – Campbell Bay and Campbell Bay – Car Nicobar – Port Blair routes.
Mr. Sharma highlighted that the Indian Air Force Dornier aircraft service currently operates on point-to-point routes with runways and significant population density. By increasing the frequency of this service, the currently operated helicopter service could accommodate more passengers from smaller islands such as Nancowry, Katchal, Kamorta, Teressa, Hut Bay, Saheed Dweep, Swaraj Dweep, North Andaman, Middle Andaman, etc., and conduct additional sorties to remote islands without runways.
He emphasized that with the upcoming operation of the International Airport Terminal, trade and commerce activities in the region are expected to receive a significant boost, creating a greater need for efficient inter-island transportation in the near future.