Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Sept 3: Bar on relatives and attendants from entering Phoenix Bay Jetty has created commotion among inter-island passengers. In the absence of baggage trolleys or shuttle service, passengers are forced to walk almost 200 mtrs with heavy luggage for embarkation and then for the steep gangue for boarding. Ship commuters including tourists are enraged over the state of affairs as the only option to escape the fatigue is to hire a coolie paying hefty charges.
Aman Halder, a resident of Diglipur says, “Senior citizens and women are the worst affected lot as they are forced to carry bulky baggages for a distance of 200 mtrs. Today luggage carrying trolleys are common in airports, railway stations and Wharfs everywhere. The administration should ensure proper facilities for ship passengers and introduce luggage trolleys or shuttle service for the benefit of the passengers in the inter-island sector.”
“Ever since the CISF took control of the security at Ports, relatives of ship passengers are not permitted to see off their guests at Phoenix Bay Jetty. As a result, passengers are forced to carry their heavy baggages themselves traversing a distance of about 200 mtrs to the dock. The administration should have introduced trolley or shuttle services at the jetty before imposing a ban on attendants,” echoes Rajesh Kerketta of Hut Bay.
The Director of Shipping Services, Capt (IN) Rajinder Lall told Andaman Sheekha recently that permitting passengers and attendants as also providing trolleys is the responsibility of the Port Management Board. “I am also in receipt of complaints from public and tourists about problems being faced at the jetty. The Shipping Department has requested the Tourism department to provide shuttle service from the entrance to the first gate for the relief of the passengers.”
The Chief Port Administrator (CPA), PMB informed that procedures are underway for floating tenders for purchase of luggage trolleys. Currently, there are 10 trolleys at Phoenix Bay Jetty, which is insufficient. As soon as more trolleys are procured, 40 trolleys will be dispensed for passenger service at the Jetty. Moreover, the CISF personnel have also been instructed to ensure passenger convenience during the mandatory checking process, the CPA said.
