Mayabunder, 15 April: In a compelling letter addressed to the Director of Shipping Services, A&N Administration, Mr. Abdul Siddique, Ex-Pramukh of Mayabunder, North & Middle Andaman District, has urged the reinstatement of M.V. Nalanda and M.V. Sindhu services connecting Mayabunder and Diglipur. This letter follows up on his previous representation dated 28th January 2025 to the Deputy Commissioner, N&M Andaman.
In his communication, Mr. Siddique referenced earlier letters submitted by Mrs. M. Rajani, Adhyaksha, Zilla Parishad (South Andaman), and Mr. Mithun Das Pradhan of Ram Nagar, Diglipur. These letters had similarly appealed for the resumption of these key inter-island services that were withdrawn in December 2024.
Mr. Siddique emphasized the vital role that M.V. Nalanda and M.V. Sindhu played in transporting residents of Mayabunder and Diglipur. Operating thrice a week, these vessels provided regular and reliable service. Their sudden replacement with smaller-capacity speedboats, each carrying only 100 passengers compared to the ships’ 500-passenger capacity, has disrupted connectivity and caused immense inconvenience to local people.
He noted that during earlier operations, an average of 350 to 400 passengers traveled on each sailing. The absence of the larger vessels has especially affected the elderly and patients who need to travel to G.B. Pant Hospital in Sri Vijayapuram for treatment. The currently deployed high-speed boats lack essential facilities such as cabin, bunk, and sufficient deck space, resulting in discomfort and motion sickness among passengers.
“This change has created significant difficulty, especially for elderly passengers and patients,” wrote Mr. Siddique, calling for immediate administrative intervention.
He further highlighted that elected representatives from both South Andaman and North & Middle Andaman Districts have echoed public dissatisfaction. While South Andaman’s representatives demanded the resumption of Hut Bay services, the northern region’s leaders specifically sought the reinstatement of M.V. Nalanda and M.V. Sindhu for Mayabunder and Diglipur routes.
Mr. Siddique appealed for “necessary instructions to the concerned authorities to resume the services… in the interest of public welfare.” The letter was also forwarded to several dignitaries and officials, including the Minister of Shipping, Government of India, and the Lt. Governor of A&N Islands, among others.
