Sri Vijaya Puram, May 25: Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman of the Campaign Committee of Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), has strongly urged the A&N Administration to take immediate steps to address the steep increase in airfare charges between Sri Vijaya Puram and mainland cities.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration on 22nd May, Mr. Bhasker highlighted the severe hardships faced by islanders due to exorbitant flight ticket prices.
He pointed out that a one-way airfare from Sri Vijaya Puram to Delhi currently ranges between Rs. 18,000 and Rs. 25,000 for a journey of around three hours, while fares from Sri Vijaya Puram to Chennai range between Rs. 13,000 and Rs. 16,000 for a two-hour journey. He noted that these fares are often higher than the cost of travelling to international destinations such as Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Mr. Bhasker expressed serious concern over the plight of poor patients who are referred to mainland hospitals for advanced medical treatment due to the absence of a multi-specialty hospital in the islands. He stated that many families are unable to bear the burden of such high travel expenses during medical emergencies.
He emphasized that, unlike mainland regions, the islands have no road or rail connectivity, making air travel the only practical means of transportation for residents. In this context, he appealed to the Administration to take up the matter with airline companies to ensure affordable airfare for islanders.
Mr. Bhasker further suggested the introduction of chartered or additional flights during peak seasons to prevent abnormal hikes in ticket prices. He also raised concern over the exorbitant charges of nearly Rs. 3.5 lakh imposed by airlines for stretcher patients requiring emergency medical evacuation to mainland hospitals, describing it as beyond the reach of ordinary families.
Mr. Bhasker urged the Administration to facilitate subsidized flight tickets for poor patients at least twice for medical treatment purposes. He also pointed out that regular passenger ship services between the islands and mainland are not being operated consistently, leaving islanders with no alternative but to rely on costly air travel.
He expressed hope that the Administration would take immediate and effective measures in the larger public interest.
