Rahul Singh & Vikramaditya
Campbell Bay, Great Nicobar, May 20: A major transportation crisis has emerged in Great Nicobar Island after a large number of candidates and passengers from different islands arrived in Campbell Bay for Forest Mazdoor recruitment- Test.
Due to the sudden increase in passenger movement, hundreds of people are now reportedly stranded in Campbell Bay as they are unable to secure ship tickets to return to their respective destinations.
According to reports, many youths from Sri Vijaya Puram, Katchal, Nancowry, Little Nicobar and several other islands, along with passengers from North and Middle Andaman, had travelled to Campbell Bay.
However, after completion of their work, they are now facing serious difficulties in returning home because of the non-availability of ship tickets.
Sources said that regular weekly ship services and even supplementary ship arrangements have failed to handle the heavy passenger rush. Despite the administration arranging additional supplementary vessels, the number of passengers has exceeded available capacity, leaving many without confirmed tickets.
The situation has also affected local residents of Great Nicobar Island. Several students are preparing for college admissions while many working individuals are required to travel urgently for jobs and other important commitments. Due to the ongoing ticket shortage, both stranded candidates and local residents are facing severe hardship.
Reports indicate that nearly 250 people have already submitted applications at the Assistant Commissioner’s Office in Campbell Bay, popularly known as the AC Office, requesting ship tickets. Apart from them, hundreds of other local residents are also reportedly waiting for transportation arrangements, taking the number of affected passengers to well over 300.
As per details, taking serious note of the issue, Congress Party Chairman Election Campaign Shri T.S.G. Bhaskar has written a letter to the Director of Shipping Services requesting immediate arrangement of additional ships to evacuate stranded passengers and ensure their safe return to their homes.
The Congress leader reportedly highlighted that staying in Campbell Bay for extended periods has become financially burdensome for many stranded passengers, especially youths and families coming from remote islands. With accommodation and food expenses increasing daily, many people are facing economic difficulties while waiting for transport arrangements.
The party has urged the administration and shipping authorities to take urgent humanitarian measures and arrange special or additional ship services at the earliest to ease the ongoing crisis in Great Nicobar.
