Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 25: Mr. Abdul Siddique, Ex-Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti, Mayabunder, has submitted a letter to the Deputy Commissioner, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Sri Vijaya Puram, seeking the restoration of regular and night ship services of M.V. Nalanda and M.V. Sindhu for the people of Mayabunder and Diglipur.
In his letter, Mr. Siddique drew attention to the long-pending transportation difficulties being faced by the people of Mayabunder and Diglipur in North & Middle Andaman District. He stated that until the end of 2024, M.V. Nalanda and M.V. Sindhu were operated regularly between Mayabunder and Diglipur, generally at intervals of one day and approximately twice a week, providing a safe, convenient and comparatively economical mode of transportation for people travelling to and from Sri Vijaya Puram.
According to Mr. Siddique, following the discontinuation of these services, mainly high-speed boats have been made available. He stated that these boats have considerably lower passenger capacity compared to the larger vessels. While approximately 350–400 passengers could normally travel on the larger vessels, the present high-speed boats can accommodate only around 100 passengers, resulting in difficulties for patients, elderly persons, women, children and other passengers.
Mr. Siddique further stated that a large number of patients from Mayabunder and Diglipur are required to travel to Sri Vijaya Puram for better medical treatment. According to him, travelling by high-speed boats causes inconvenience to patients and their attendants, particularly in carrying food, medicines and other essential items during the journey.
He also pointed out that the present high-speed boats do not provide the same level of convenience as larger vessels for long-distance travel, with limited cabin, berth and deck facilities. He stated that some passengers also experience dizziness and vomiting during sea journeys. Despite these difficulties, people are required to travel for medical treatment, Government work, education, employment and other essential purposes.
Mr. Siddique stated that travel between Mayabunder and Sri Vijaya Puram and between Diglipur and Sri Vijaya Puram has become difficult and expensive due to the lack of convenient direct sea transportation. He further stated that people are required to travel long distances by road, with private bus fares reportedly ranging from approximately Rs. 500 to Rs. 600 or more, placing an additional financial burden on economically weaker families.
Highlighting the earlier night ship services, Mr. Siddique stated that passengers could board the vessels in the evening after completing their work and travel overnight, reaching Sri Vijaya Puram in the morning. Similarly, passengers could board the vessel in Sri Vijaya Puram in the evening and reach Mayabunder or Diglipur the following morning. According to him, such services helped save considerable time, travel expenses and inconvenience.
Mr. Siddique also stated that the issue affects not only ordinary passengers but also patients, elderly persons, economically weaker families, students, Government employees and people travelling to Sri Vijaya Puram for essential work. He noted that representations and requests had also been submitted earlier before the Directorate of Shipping Services regarding the matter.
In view of the forthcoming Durga Puja, Diwali and Christmas festive season, Mr. Siddique stressed the need for convenient transportation, as a large number of people are expected to travel for family, medical, official and other essential purposes.
He has therefore requested the Deputy Commissioner to consider the difficulties faced by the people of North and Middle Andaman and issue necessary directions for the early restoration of regular services of M.V. Nalanda and M.V. Sindhu, as per requirement, for the benefit of the people of Mayabunder and Diglipur.
He has also requested that the possibility of restarting regular night ship services between Mayabunder/Diglipur and Sri Vijaya Puram, including return services, be considered.
Mr. Siddique stated that the matter was not merely related to transportation convenience but also concerned access to medical treatment, the convenience of elderly persons, travel expenses of poor and middle-class families and the overall convenience of the general public.
He expressed hope that the matter would be considered sympathetically and that necessary directions would be issued to the concerned department for appropriate action.
