Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, April 19: In a determined show of unity and grassroots mobilisation, the Joint Action Telugu Committee (JATC) organized a powerful protest and public meeting at Tiranga Park in Sri Vijaya Puram on Saturday, voicing strong concerns over the prolonged suspension of passenger ship services between Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Visakhapatnam (Vizag), as well as demanding charter flights at affordable rates for island residents.
Led by President & Team JATC-ANI, Shri B Hema Raju, General Secretary Mr. S U.Maheshwar Rao, Organising Secretary, Shri B Satyanarayana , Working President, Mr. B Surya Narayan, Vice President, B Mohini, K Nagalakshmi, K Varalaxmi the event saw participation from hundreds of community members, especially from the Telugu-speaking population, including daily-wage laborers, fisherfolk, vendors, and middle-class families. They were joined by representatives from various local associations who echoed the same frustrations: lack of connectivity and skyrocketing travel expenses.
“From January till now, not a single passenger ship has sailed for Vizag,” stated Mr. S. U.Maheshwar Rao, addressing the crowd. “Earlier, the vessel would sail twice a month, especially during summer vacations. Now, even that basic facility has been snatched away.”
Mr. Rao pointed out the severe financial strain on poor and middle-income families, who earlier relied on ships that charged as little as Rs.1,200 for islanders, Rs. 700 for senior citizens, and much lower for persons with disabilities. “How can these people afford flight tickets costing Rs.15,000 or more?” he questioned, adding that even government employees entitled to reimbursement often struggle due to the unpredictable fares and lack of proper alternatives.
General Secretary Mr. B Hema Raju highlighted that numerous appeals have been submitted to the Chief Secretary, Lieutenant Governor, and even to Central Ministries. “We have knocked on every door—yet there has been no firm commitment, no concrete action. Is this how the administration treats its citizens?” he asked.
He also expressed concern about the non-functioning of chartered flights, which were previously in service. “The administration must bring back the chartered flight system with a fixed affordable rate of around Rs. 5,000 for islanders. This was earlier done. Why can’t it be restarted now?”
A significant portion of the protest revolved around the urgent need for proper transportation for medical emergencies. “Many people are referred to hospitals in Vizag, but without ships or affordable flights, they are forced to postpone critical treatment. It’s a question of life and death,” said Vice President Mr. Surya Narayan. He further revealed that even Rs. 8 lakh is sometimes spent by families for treatment, a burden unbearable for any working-class household.
The protest concluded with a united appeal to the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, urging them to immediately resume Vizag-bound ship services, especially during the summer season when most residents travel; Reintroduce subsidized chartered flights for islanders to major mainland cities; Increase ship frequency and capacity, ensuring larger vessels are deployed for longer routes like Vizag and Maintain transparency in scheduling and announcements, and avoid misleading the public.
The Joint Action Telugu Committee also warned that if no response is received soon, they will escalate the agitation with larger participation from associations across the islands, including Local Born Association, MOpLA Association, Salute Tiranga,NGOs, Unions, Telugu Community Association/ Committees and other civil groups.
“Connectivity is not a luxury. For islanders, it is a lifeline,” said Mr. S U Maheshwar Rao. “We will not back down until the administration listens and acts.”
