John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Apr 16: Tourists and local passengers arriving and departing from Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep Islands are facing difficulties due to the long distance of around 500 meters between the main gate and the departure and arrival point of vessels.
Passengers have to walk between the harbour entry gate and vessels, often facing rain and scorching sun, which has become a cause for concern for many.
In particular, some passengers have expressed their concern regarding the open walkway between the Jetty gate and the ship during rainy and sunny days. They feel that it is tough to walk with small children and elderly people while carrying luggage.
Mr.Saikat Biswas, Joint Secretary of the Andaman Association of Tour Operators and a tour operator in Andaman, has demanded that the administration construct a covered walkway shed in the jetty to protect passengers from rain and sun, and to make it easier for guests to reach the main gate and the ferry. He further added that the jetty needs to be upgraded with a shed to help passengers move easily.
Another tour operator on the island has also pointed out that despite taking charges from every tourist in their tickets, the Port Management Board has failed to provide sufficient infrastructure in the jetty for a comfortable journey. They demand that the administration should construct a shed in both Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep jetties.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, a senior officer of PMB assured that they would talk to higher authorities and request that covered walkway sheds be built in the harbour areas of Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep to ease the movement of passengers.
