Passengers Face Delays at Shipping Counter; Only One out of 12 Counters Operational

John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Sept 07: Port Blair’s Directorate of Shipping Counter has become a pain point for passengers, with 11 of its 12 reservation ticket counters currently out of service. The dysfunction has left many passengers stranded in prolonged queues, waiting for their turn at the lone operational counter.
Despite noteworthy advancements in the Shipping Department over the past years, including the introduction of online ticket reservations, the ground reality remains starkly different. Challenges faced by inter-island commuters seem never-ending. Acquiring ship reservation tickets at the Head Quarter Shipping Phoenix Bay Reservation counter has turned into an arduous task, exacerbated by the closed enquiry and reservation counters. Despite 12 ticket counters at the facility, passengers often find just one open, even on peak days.
Mr. Kajal Das, the Mondal President of BJP, voiced his frustrations to Andaman Sheekha Daily, “Why maintain 11 counters when only one is consistently used? It’s inconvenient for all passengers, including those merely seeking information. The situation is especially dire on busy days.” He expressed hope that media attention might bring forth the much-needed changes and relief.
Another passenger from Swaraj Dweep commented on the deplorable state of service, emphasizing the inconsiderate treatment of senior citizens forced to wait in lengthy lines. “This isn’t what customer service should look like,” he lamented.
When Andaman Sheekha Daily reached out to a senior officer of the Directorate of Shipping Services for a comment, the officer acknowledged the issues and attributed them to technical glitches. “After the onset of online booking, many have opted for the digital route. Nevertheless, we understand the importance of on-site counters. We have already instructed the department to keep two counters open – one for males and the other for women and senior citizens. We’re working on resolving the technical issues, and we assure the public that two counters will be operational soon.”