Y Naveen Kumar & Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Jan 23: Thousands of daily vehicle ferry commuters from Bambooflat and nearby areas organized a massive protest on 21st Jan, 2018 at Bambooflat Jetty demanding the Shipping Department to operate more vehicle ferries between Bambooflat-Chatham region.
As per reports, the commuters of Bambooflat area got frustrated of daily maintaining their schedule to catch a single vehicle ferry that was being operated in the aforesaid region.
As per the commuters, the single vehicle ferry that was operated in the region during peak hours was unable to meet the demand.
“There are now thousands of people who have to reach Port Blair for schools, offices and for other tasks, the rush is so much here during peak hours one has to struggle to get into the Vehicle Ferry,” said a resident of Bambooflat.
“At least weekly once, I reach late to my office that is in Port Blair, even after putting all efforts to reach on time and it is just because the ferry gets over crowded with passengers,” said a Government Servant, in case of anonymity.
However, after the hour long protest the Director Shipping Department, Mr R Veeraih reached the spot and assured the protestors to fulfill their demands by plying 03 Vehicle Ferries during peak hours i.e. 07:00 am to 11:00 am and 04:00pm to 07:00 pm every day.
He also requested the protestors to cooperate if any day the Shipping department is unable to provide the vehicle ferry but assured the protestors that after 06 months there won’t be any problem of the Vehicle Ferry services in the region.
