Sri Vijaya Puram May 24: Gram Panchayat Chainpur, Pradhan Johnson Kerketta Submits Memorandum to Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands demanding the reintroduction of the regular passenger and cargo ship service between Sri Vijaya Puram – Mayabunder – Kolkata.
In the memorandum, it was stated that the cost of living in North & Middle Andaman has increased significantly in recent times and many essential daily-use items are not adequately available in the local markets. Most goods have to be brought from Sri Vijaya Puram, causing financial difficulties for the general public.
Pradhan Johnson Kerketta stated that most residents of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands belong to different states of mainland India and many of their relatives and family members reside on the mainland. At present, air travel is the only major mode of transportation to the mainland, but the airfare has become extremely expensive, making travel difficult for ordinary families. In many cases, the airfare per person ranges from Rs.10,000 to Rs.20,000.
He further stated that if a family of 4–5 members have to travel, the total round-trip expense may reach nearly ₹2 lakh, which is beyond the reach of common people. Moreover, the limited baggage allowance in air travel creates additional inconvenience for passengers. The memorandum also mentioned that earlier there used to be regular ship services between the Andaman Islands and mainland India, which provided great relief and convenience to the public. At that time, ship services operated from Sri Vijaya Puram to Kolkata via Mayabunder, greatly benefiting the Bengali community, Ranchi community, and many other local residents. Businessmen were able to transport goods at lower costs, due to which essential commodities were available in local markets at reasonable and affordable prices.
The Pradhan pointed out that at present, fruits and other goods are mainly transported by air, which has drastically increased market prices. For example, apples available in Kolkata at around ₹150 per kilogram are being sold in North & Middle Andaman at ₹350 per kilogram or even more. This has further increased the burden of inflation on common people.
On behalf of Gram Panchayat Chainpur, it has been demanded that the regular ship service from Sri Vijaya Puram to Kolkata via Mayabunder be restarted as it was earlier, and the return service also be resumed. It was further requested that this ship service be operated at least three times every month on a regular basis.
The memorandum stated that restarting the ship service would:
1. Provide convenient travel facilities for local residents to and from mainland India.
2. Help businessmen transport goods at lower costs.
3. Ensure adequate availability of essential commodities in the markets of North & Middle Andaman.
4. Reduce inflation and provide relief to the general public.
Pradhan Johnson Kerketta appealed to the administration to consider the matter positively in the interest of public welfare and convenience and to take necessary steps for restarting the ship service at the earliest.
Copies of the memorandum were also forwarded to Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray, the Chief Secretary of Andaman & Nicobar Administration, and the Deputy Commissioner of North & Middle Andaman District for necessary action.
