Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov. 02: A ray of hope has emerged for the residents of Mayabunder and Diglipur as the long-pending issue of the suspended shipping services of M.V. Nalanda and M.V. Sindhu is now being actively considered by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
On October 31, 2025, former Pramukh of Mayabunder, Mr. Abdul Siddique, met Ms. Purva Garg (IAS), Secretary (Shipping Service), A&N Administration, at Sri Vijaya Puram to discuss the ongoing hardships faced by residents due to the discontinuation of these vessels.
The services of M.V. Nalanda and M.V. Sindhu, which earlier operated thrice a week between Mayabunder and Diglipur, were abruptly withdrawn in late 2024. They were replaced with smaller speedboats, creating severe inconvenience—particularly for elderly passengers, patients travelling to G.B. Pant Hospital, and families undertaking long-distance journeys. The high-speed boats, lacking cabins, bunks, and proper seating space, have caused discomfort and motion sickness among passengers.
As per Mr. Siddique, during the meeting, Ms. Garg reportedly assured that the matter will be looked into seriously and efforts will be made to resume and continue the services of both vessels. She also indicated that the Administration will consider introducing at least one weekly ship service equipped with cabins and bunk facilities similar to the previous arrangement.
Mr. Siddique expressed gratitude to the Shipping Secretary for her positive response and assurance, stating that the move will bring great relief to thousands of people in the North and Middle Andaman region who have been struggling due to the lack of reliable inter-island connectivity.
