Vikramaditya
Port Blair, May 04: The Joint Action Trade Council of Andaman & Nicobar Islands (JATC-ANI) has called upon the A&N Administration to take swift and effective measures to resolve the ongoing ship ticket crisis that has left thousands of islanders, especially those from the lower-income and labouring classes, in severe distress.
In a strongly worded appeal, the JATC-ANI highlighted the plight of daily wage workers, students, patients, and others who are unable to travel to and from the islands due to the non-availability of ship tickets. The council criticized the current transportation arrangements as highly inadequate and inequitable, stating that only a few privileged individuals are able to secure tickets, leaving the majority of poor and working-class citizens stranded.
The crisis has worsened with the limited number of operational ships and the redirection of inter-island vessels to the mainland, resulting in logistical chaos during the peak summer travel season. The JATC-ANI expressed concern that the high cost of flight tickets makes air travel inaccessible for the poor, essentially cutting them off from the mainland for urgent needs, including medical emergencies and job opportunities.
In its memorandum, the council demanded the immediate operation of additional passenger ships, chartered voyages if necessary, and a transparent ticketing process that prioritizes equitable access. The JATC-ANI urged the administration to recognize the disproportionate burden this crisis places on economically weaker sections and to uphold the basic right of mobility for all citizens.
The appeal concluded with a firm reminder that neglecting these transportation needs could lead to social unrest and deepening inequalities in the region. The council emphasized that it stands with the affected islanders and will intensify its movement if urgent action is not taken by the authorities.
