Port Blair, June 26: The Lt Governor, A&N Islands, Prof.Jagdish Mukhi, formally inducted newly chartered Inter Island vessel Coral Queen into service on June 26, 2017 by cutting ribbon and participating in puja rituals. The Member of Parliament, Shri BishnuPada Ray, the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri AnindoMajumdar, the Chairperson PBMC, Shri Eswar Rao, the Adhyaksh ZPSA, Shri Jaydeep Kumar Dey, the Secretary Shipping, Shri S.C.L Das and other senior officers of the Administration were present on the occasion.Port Blair, June 26: The Lt Governor, A&N Islands, Prof.Jagdish Mukhi, formally inducted newly chartered Inter Island vessel Coral Queen into service on June 26, 2017 by cutting ribbon and participating in puja rituals. The Member of Parliament, Shri BishnuPada Ray, the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri AnindoMajumdar, the Chairperson PBMC, Shri Eswar Rao, the Adhyaksh ZPSA, Shri Jaydeep Kumar Dey, the Secretary Shipping, Shri S.C.L Das and other senior officers of the Administration were present on the occasion.
The Lt. Governor along with the officials went round the ship and was briefed about the facilities available for the passengers on board. The total passenger capacity of the ship is 451 consisting of Deluxe (12 pax), Cabin (64 pax), Bunk (281) and Seats (94) besides facilities like cafeteria, recreational room, dining room and medical bay etc. for the passengers. The vessel is fully air conditioned with better passenger amenities and has a cargo capacity of 100 Ton.
The Lt Governor also interacted with the passengers who were ready to take up their journey on the ship’s maiden voyage to Hut Bay. The Lt Governor assured that the newly inducted ship will make regular trips to southern group of Islands including Hut Bay. He informed that the islanders will witness more improvement in shipping sector. He said that four vessels of 150-200 passenger capacity built in Goa are ready to sail for Port Blair, once the weather is fair. Once inducted, it will further augment the Inter –Island shipping service.
Coral Queen, carrying logo of “BetiBachao- BetiPadhao” on ship side, will also be the harbinger of gender justice and equality on high seas.
The passengers’ whole heartedly thanked the Lt Governor and the Administration for chartering the vessel to ease the difficulties being faced by the people in the Southern Group of Islands.
Coral Queen, a 1996 built vessel with a passenger capacity of 451 and with cruising speed of 12 knots, is especially chartered for service to the Southern Group of Islands. The induction of the vessel Coral Queen today has fulfilled the long felt demand of the residents of Southern Group of Islands including Hut Bay.
