Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr. 12: A strong demand has been raised seeking urgent intervention from the Central Government to address the persistent issue of high airfares and inadequate connectivity between Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) and mainland India. A detailed representation highlighting the concerns of island residents has been submitted to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and other senior authorities.
The letter was submitted by Rakeshwar Lall, State President of Hindu Rashtra Shakti, who, on behalf of the islanders, highlighted the growing hardships caused by the lack of affordable air travel. He emphasized that air connectivity is the lifeline of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, yet the absence of proper regulation has led to arbitrary and often exorbitant airfare, especially during peak travel periods.
The representation pointed out that despite several developmental initiatives announced in sectors such as education, power supply, drinking water, road infrastructure, information technology, and healthcare, their impact on the ground remains minimal. Islanders continue to face challenges due to inadequate infrastructure and essential services, raising serious concerns over implementation.
In view of the situation, the letter put forward key demands including the introduction of regular airline services under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to ensure reliable connectivity. It also called for immediate monitoring and regulation of airfare to prevent exploitation of passengers.
Additionally, the proposal suggested rationalizing or transferring subsidies currently allocated to shipping services towards the aviation sector, enabling direct benefits to the public in the form of reduced airfares. The need for subsidized tickets for island residents, based on valid identification such as local certificates or ration cards, was also strongly emphasized.
The representation further recommended adopting a model similar to the Government’s regional connectivity scheme, incorporating financial support mechanisms to ensure affordability and sustainability of air services.
It was stressed that such measures would not only reduce the financial burden on residents but also ensure inclusive and effective development. Reliable and affordable air connectivity is crucial for access to healthcare, education, employment, and overall socio-economic growth in the islands.
