Middle Strait, May 26: The frequent breakdowns of vehicle ferry vessels in the Middle Strait are causing significant delays and inconvenience for commuters on the NH4 (Andaman Trunk Road). Today, one of the two vehicle ferries operated by Shipping Services, MV Austin experienced a breakdown, leaving several cargo vehicles stranded at Nilambur jetty by evening. This has resulted in chaos at both Middle Strait Jetty and Nilambur Jetty on Baratang Island.
NH4 commuters have been grappling with issues due to the sluggish movement of vehicles caused by the insufficient number of vehicle ferries on the Middle Strait route. The recent addition of MV Austin as another vehicle ferry by the Directorate of Shipping Services aimed to alleviate the problem. However, this morning MV Austin had to halt its services due to a technical problem, adding to the existing challenges. Later at 11.00 AM MV Kadamtala was sent back to Baratang after repair, which started service by 12.00 noon.
One individual traveling with their family towards Middle Andaman expressed their frustration, stating that in the morning, only MV North Bay was operational in the area. While they understood the issue of limited vehicle ferry availability on the route, they criticized the authorities of the Directorate of Shipping Services and the police for prioritizing public transport over private vehicles. Despite being part of the first convoy to reach the Middle Strait, they were still not permitted to take the ferry services by the afternoon.
This morning, due to technical problems with MV Austin, only MV North Bay was providing services. As a result, ATR passengers were compelled to wait for several hours to cross the Middle Strait, causing problems for many children and elderly individuals who had to endure the long wait without food.
Mr. Alager Swamy, Zilla Parishad Member of Baratang, urged the Directorate of Shipping Services to address the situation promptly by conducting repair work on all three vehicle ferries. He emphasized the need for improved services as numerous individuals travel between North, Middle, and South Andaman for various urgent matters, including medical needs. He called for prioritizing passenger buses and vehicles with families, followed by four-wheelers of ATR passengers, in order to alleviate the suffering of the public.
The Directorate of Shipping Services must take immediate action to resolve the recurring breakdowns and ensure the smooth operation of the vehicle ferries. Commuters on the NH4 route rely on these services for their daily transportation, and the disruptions caused by technical issues pose significant challenges and inconvenience. The well-being and convenience of the public should be a top priority, and efforts must be made to minimize delays and enhance the efficiency of the ferry services.
