Bharat & Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, June 14: The Pradhan of Govind Nagar Panchayat, Great Nicobar, Mr. Venkat Rao has demanded an increase in ship services between Sri Vijaya Puram and Campbell Bay, stating that the existing frequency is insufficient to meet the growing needs of residents.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, Venkat Rao said that the local population is facing considerable difficulties due to the limited ship connectivity. He pointed out that while there is currently only one ship service in a week, the situation now warrants the operation of a vessel at least once every five days.
According to the Pradhan, the ongoing Great Nicobar Infrastructure (GNI) Project has significantly increased the movement of officials and project-related personnel to Campbell Bay, resulting in greater pressure on available transport facilities. As a consequence, local residents are finding it increasingly difficult to secure seats on ships and other modes of transportation for essential travel, medical needs, and official work.
He said that the demand for an additional ship service every five days has emerged from the local population itself, as the present arrangement is no longer adequate to cater to the increasing passenger traffic.
Meanwhile, Panchayat Samiti Pramukh Mr. E. S. Rajesh has also taken up the matter with the administration by writing to the Director of Shipping Services, A&N Administration.
In his letter dated June 2, Mr. Rajesh highlighted that only one sailing service currently operates each week between Campbell Bay and Sri Vijaya Puram, causing difficulties in the transportation of passengers, essential commodities, medical emergencies, official movements, and other urgent requirements.
The Pramukh further noted that the ongoing GNI Project has led to a considerable increase in the movement of officials to Campbell Bay. He stated that the heavy demand for helicopter services from officials and project personnel has made it difficult for the general public to obtain helicopter tickets for urgent travel and medical purposes.
Mr. Rajesh also pointed out that a large number of government employees, students, and residents are expected to return to their respective stations after the vacation period in June, which will further increase the demand for both ship and helicopter services between Sri Vijaya Puram and Campbell Bay.
In view of these factors, he urged the administration to introduce a ship service every fifth day between Sri Vijaya Puram and Campbell Bay at the earliest, stating that the move would greatly benefit the public and improve connectivity to the remote areas of Great Nicobar Island.
