Mayabunder, January 27: In a heartfelt appeal to the Deputy Commissioner of North & Middle Andaman District, former Pramukh of Mayabunder, Mr. Abdul Siddique, has urged the immediate restoration of the passenger ferry services of M.V. Nalanda and M.V. Sindhu. These vessels, which have been a lifeline for residents of Mayabunder and Diglipur, have not been operational for the past few months, leaving locals in a state of inconvenience and distress.
In his letter, Mr. Siddique highlighted the critical role these ships played in ensuring affordable and comfortable travel, particularly for patients traveling to G.B. Pant Hospital in Port Blair for medical treatment. He stressed that the suspension of these services has severely impacted the general public, who are now forced to rely on speedboats that lack basic facilities such as cabins and bunks.
“Passengers using the speedboat service often experience motion sickness, vomiting, and prolonged discomfort due to the cramped conditions and the absence of essential amenities,” Siddique explained. He pointed out that these issues are particularly problematic for the elderly, children, and patients requiring medical attention, who find the speedboat journey both physically exhausting and unsuitable for their needs.
The former Pramukh emphasized the benefits of M.V. Nalanda and M.V. Sindhu, which offered cabins, bunks, and a larger passenger capacity, ensuring a more comfortable and reliable mode of transport. The ships had long been the preferred choice for the people of the region, not only for their affordability but also for their ability to cater to the needs of diverse age groups and medical emergencies.
Mr. Siddique called upon the Deputy Commissioner to intervene and direct the Shipping Department to withdraw the current speedboat service and reinstate the weekly operations of M.V. Nalanda and M.V. Sindhu. He stressed that this issue demands urgent attention, as it directly affects the well-being and convenience of the residents of Mayabunder and Diglipur.
