Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 06 November 2024
Nicobar District’s recent implementation of an online helicopter booking system is receiving commendations for its transparency and ease of access. Developed by the district administration in-house at no additional cost, the system marks a significant step in digitising essential services for the Nicobar residents. Since its introduction in August 2024, the system has been especially successful for routes departing from Car Nicobar to various islands within the Nicobar group and Sri Vijaya Puram, allowing residents to apply for tickets and view allotment lists online.
Residents from Campbell Bay and Kamorta can also access this digital facility for ticket booking; however, passenger lists for these sectors have yet to be consistently updated by the Assistant Commissioner’s offices in Kamorta and Campbell Bay, leaving users uncertain whether the system is actively being used at these locations.
For Car Nicobar, the online system has already proven beneficial. The system eliminates the need for residents to visit the Deputy Commissioner’s office in person to submit booking applications or verify their names on the allotted passenger lists, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing unnecessary travel.
Given the success of the Car Nicobar implementation, there is a call for introduction of similar systems in additional sectors, including routes from Sri Vijaya Puram to Islands of Nicobar District, as well as the broader North, Middle, and South Andaman regions.
Beyond convenience, the online system promotes transparency by making passenger lists publicly accessible. In cases of perceived ticket allocation biases, residents can download these lists and submit complaints to higher authorities, which would ensure fairness in the allocation of government-subsidised helicopter seats.
Presently, the ticket booking process remains largely opaque, raising concerns over potential misuse of the subsidised system, especially by government employees. The introduction of a streamlined, transparent process aims to curb these issues and facilitate fair access for all citizens.
Further, the passenger ticket allotment lists for Kamorta and Campbell Bay should also be updated at least a few hours before travel time on the online portal developed by the Nicobar District Administration. While helicopter booking requests can be accepted both through online and offline modes at these locations, the allotment lists should be updated online for greater transparency.
The Nicobar District’s digital strides with this booking system signal a progressive shift toward greater accessibility and transparency in public services. Extending this model across additional sectors could provide residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with a more inclusive and user-friendly experience.