Vikramaditya
Mayabunder, April 11: In a letter addressed to key authorities including the Minister of Shipping, Government of India, and the Lt. Governor of A&N Islands, former Pramukh of Mayabunder, Mr. Abdul Siddique has reiterated his request for the urgent resumption of M.V. Nalanda and M.V. Sindhu services in the North and Middle Andaman District.
This follow-up letter, referencing an earlier representation dated 28th January 2025 to the Deputy Commissioner of N&M Andaman, highlights the hardships faced by residents of Mayabunder and Diglipur following the withdrawal of the two passenger vessels in December 2024. The ships, which operated thrice a week and carried around 350–400 passengers per trip, were replaced with speedboats of much lower capacity—only 100 passengers.
“The high-speed vessels currently operating lack basic amenities such as cabins, bunks, and sufficient deck space, making them highly unsuitable for long-distance journeys, especially for elderly patients traveling to G.B. Pant Hospital,” Mr. Siddique noted. He added that many passengers have reported discomfort and motion sickness, worsening the travel experience.
The withdrawal of M.V. Nalanda and M.V. Sindhu, both having a capacity of around 500 passengers, has led to significant public dissatisfaction. As a result, local representatives from the North and Middle Andaman District have echoed similar concerns, demanding the reinstatement of these services for smoother connectivity and public convenience.
Mr. Siddique has urged the intervention of senior authorities to restore the essential maritime link and mitigate the ongoing transportation crisis affecting a large section of the island population.
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