Port Blair, Oct 31: Due to the reduction in available depths of water in Hoogly River because of shifting sand patterns, the Kolkata Port Trust has informed that the operations of vessels in Kolkata Port has been restricted. The present available depths in Hoogly River does not permit operations of Mainland island vessels to Kolkata Port (Kidharpur docks). In view of this fact all sailings from Port Blair to Kolkata are being held in abeyance/cancelled. The Directorate of Shipping Services is continuously monitoring the situation through Liaison with Officials at Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. and Kolkata Port Trust. As soon as the situation improves and available depths in Hoogly river permit, the operations from Port Blair to Kolkata will be resumed.
Meanwhile, in order to clear the stranded passengers bound for Kolkata from Port Blair, the Directorate of Shipping Services is scheduling additional voyages to Vishakapatnam. The first such voyage is scheduled from Port Blair on 4th November, 2013 at 1000 Hrs by MV Nicobar. All passengers are advised to book their tickets accordingly. Passengers those who may have purchased tickets for Kolkata sector in advance are requested to cancel the same at STARS Ticketing Counters and claim full refund amount. Further voyages to Vishakapatnam will continue to be planned till the situation in Kolkata improves.
