Sri Vijayapuram, Mar 18: Get ready for an unparalleled automotive experience as Prince Group proudly announces the launch of the First in Andaman Automobile Carnival, the biggest automobile event ever to grace the islands.

Began from March 17th March, the event will continue till March 23rd, 2025, at ITF Ground, VIP Road, this week-long extravaganza promises unbeatable offers, exciting entertainment, and a showcase of top automobile brands, all under one roof from 2 PM to 8 PM daily.

The First in Andaman Automobile Carnival is set to revolutionize the way Andaman residents upgrade their rides. Attendees can take advantage of exclusive deals, including:

Exchange Benefits: Trade in your old car for the best value and drive away with a dream car.

Low EMI Rates: Enjoy unbeatable prices and the lowest EMI options.

Instant Financing Facility: Get 100% funding for your new car at the venue.

Free Car Check-Up: Receive a comprehensive check-up for your vehicle.

Free Wash: Get a sparkling clean car on Prince Group

Exchange Facility: Spot trade-in for a brand-new one!

This carnival will feature an impressive lineup of vehicles from leading manufacturers, including Toyota, Tata, Honda, Nissan, Bajaj, KTM, and more. Whether you’re in the market for a sleek car or a powerful motorcycle, all the top automobile brands will be available at the same place, at the same time.

As an added incentive, the event offers additional gifts on spot booking. Families can also enjoy snacks and amusement for children available at the venue, making it a perfect outing for all ages. Financing options are conveniently provided through renowned institutions such as SBI, Mahindra Finance, Manappuram Finance, Cholamandalam, Shriram Finance, Bank of India, ICICI Bank, and Toyota Financial Services.

This is a limited-time offer, so mark your calendars and visit the carnival to seize these incredible deals. The First in Andaman Automobile Carnival is not just an event; it’s a celebration of automotive excellence brought to you by Prince Group.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar. 17: In a significant move towards modernizing the power distribution network in A&N Islands, two agreements and one MoU costing more than Rs. 500 Crores have been signed today at Sri Vijaya Puram under the project of Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in the august presence of the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS. The MoU for Smart Metering project costing Rs. 53.26 Crores, the agreement for Loss Reduction costing Rs.247.12 Crores and agreement for Interconnection of Islands costing Rs.208.04 Crores was signed by the Secretary (Power) on behalf of A & N Administration and senior officials of Power Grid. The Power Grid was nominated by Ministry of Power as Project Implementing Agency (PIA) for execution of these components under RDSS.
RDSS is a comprehensive initiative by Govt. of India aimed at strengthening and modernizing the power distribution sector. These Agreements/MoU shall improve the power quality and reliability ensuring sustainability of electricity distribution system in entire A&N Islands. The scheme focuses on three key components viz. Loss Reduction, Smart Metering and Interconnection of Islands.
The Loss Reduction component focuses on upgrading the age old existing electricity distribution infrastructure to reduce losses and improve efficiency. The work will include the replacement of old and inefficient transformers, construction of new sub-stations, augmentation of existing substations, replacement of old/frayed conductors by covered conductors, segregation / bifurcation of feeders, construction of additional HT lines and strengthening of transmission lines. These interventions and improvements in the T & D system will minimize outages and voltage fluctuations.
The implementation of prepaid smart metering for consumers and system metering at feeder and distribution transformer level with communication feature along with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) will revolutionize power consumption monitoring. Consumers will benefit from accurate billing, real-time energy usage tracking and enhanced transparency in electricity consumption. The Department will be able to detect power theft, reduce losses and improve revenue collection ensuring better service delivery.
The interconnection of Islands from South Andaman to North Andaman is a preparatory work for the HVDC link with mainland. This interconnection will be at 66 KV voltage level and will help in establishing a unified grid covering 86% of total consumer base. The 66 KV grid will ensure better utilization of power resources which will reduce outages and bring in efficiency in the system by reduction in transmission losses. This project envisaged five major Substations at Bambooflat, Bakultala, Rangat, Mayabunder and Diglipur.
The signing of the Agreements and MoU between UT Administration and Power Grid is a vital step towards tapping of benefits of RDSS scheme in A&N Islands. The UT Administration is committed to provide a sustainable and reliable power infrastructure to meet the needs of all consumers.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar. 17: Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency reviewed presentation by the Health Department of Andaman & Nicobar Administration on the Medicare infrastructure of Himachal Pradesh State for possible adoption in the UT of A&N Islands, in the presence of Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, Chief Secretary and other senior officers of Health Department today at Raj Niwas.
Plan of Action to augment PHC & CHC level functioning, which needs to be implemented based upon the key insights during the field visit made by the representatives from A&N Islands and measures to mitigate shortage of Specialists were also discussed.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 16: The Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) has formally appealed to AirAsia to reconsider its decision to suspend flights between Kuala Lumpur and Port Blair from 12th April 2025.

A delegation led by AATO President Mr. M. Vinod met with Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Admiral D.K. Joshi (Retd.) on 13th March 2025 to discuss the issue. The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has already proposed waivers on landing charges and airport fees to the Government of India, aiming to reduce operational costs for AirAsia.

AATO emphasized that passenger demand is raising, especially with upcoming peak travel months and promotional efforts like trade Fairs & road shows in Kuala Lumpur. The association also highlighted new revenue opportunities through cargo operations, making the route more sustainable.

AATO has urged AirAsia to either continue operations or reduce flight frequency instead of full suspension, ensuring ongoing connectivity between Southeast Asia and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

 

Sri Vijayapuram, Mar 16: Apollo Clinic, Sri Vijaya Puram has taken a significant step toward enhancing healthcare services in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with the appointment of Lt. Col. Dr. Swamy MV (Retd), a highly experienced Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
This development brings advanced gynecological and obstetric care closer to the residents of the Union Territory, eliminating the need for long journeys to the mainland for specialized treatment.
Dr. Swamy MV, a retired Lieutenant Colonel, is a distinguished medical professional with an impressive academic and professional background, holding qualifications such as MBBS, MS in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBG), FMAS, F-Art, and DCG. His expertise spans a wide array of gynecological and obstetric services, making him a valuable addition to Apollo Clinic.
Dr. Swamy specializes in handling obstetrics and gynecology emergencies, performing a range of gynecological surgeries (open, laparoscopic, and vaginal), and conducting advanced procedures like hysterolaparoscopy and urogynaecological surgeries. Additionally, he is skilled in advanced fetomaternal ultrasound, cosmetic and regenerative gynecology, ensuring comprehensive care for women at all stages of life.
His core competencies include preventive obstetrics, managing high-risk pregnancies, and facilitating vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Dr. Swamy also excels in reproductive endocrinology, fertility treatments such as IUI, OPU, IVF, ICSI, ET, and DHL, and addressing chronic pelvic pain. His surgical proficiency extends to myomectomy (open and laparoscopic), sling surgeries for stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and hysterectomy (open, laparoscopic, and vaginal), ensuring tailored solutions for diverse gynecological conditions.
Dr. Swamy MV will be available for consultations at Apollo Clinic, Sri Vijaya Puram, though specific timings can be confirmed upon booking. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of his expertise by scheduling appointments through Apollo Clinic at +91-9531807777 or 03192-252522.

 

Vikramaditya
Sri Vijayapuram, March 13: The possible withdrawal of AirAsia’s flight between Sri Vijayapuram and Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur has caused widespread concern among travellers and tourism stakeholders.
As the summer vacation season approaches, thousands of passengers who had planned trips to Malaysia in May and June are now worried about the fate of their travel plans. Many have already secured new passports in anticipation of their trips, making the situation even more frustrating.
This year, Andaman tourism has witnessed a remarkable 41% increase in tourist arrivals compared to the previous year, partly attributed to improved international flight connectivity. The Sri Vijayapuram-Malaysia route has been instrumental in driving this growth, attracting foreign tourists and facilitating travel for locals seeking medical treatment, education, and business opportunities.
Industry experts believe that the withdrawal of this flight could have significant economic repercussions. To sustain international air connectivity, authorities must secure subsidies and incentives for airlines. These may include waivers on landing charges from the Ministry of Defence, concessions on route navigation and facilitation charges, and reductions in User Development Fees (UDF) from the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Reports indicate that AirAsia may discontinue the route after April 10, 2024, as several travellers have already received emails informing them of the change. However, many believe that this decision could be reversed if the airline receives necessary policy support and financial incentives.
Recognizing the potential impact, delegations from the Andaman Nicobar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ANCCI) and the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) have taken up the issue with relevant authorities. They have urged government intervention to ensure the flight’s continuation.
For many Islanders, this route is more than just a tourism gateway—it provides an affordable and direct connection to South Asian countries, eliminating the need for costly detours via Chennai or Kolkata. Given the growing demand and its strategic importance, stakeholders are calling for urgent action to persuade AirAsia to retain the service at least for this year.
As uncertainty looms, passengers and industry leaders await an official confirmation from AirAsia regarding the future of the Sri Vijayapuram-Malaysia flight.

Port Blair, Mar 13: The Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) delivered an exhilarating air show over Marina Park in Sri Vijaya Puram on 12-13 March 2025, captivating thousands of spectators, including both local residents and tourists. The event was honoured by the presence of Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, PVSM, AVSM, VM, Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), along with senior military officials and dignitaries civil administration and police.

SKAT showcased their precision flying skills, performing loops, barrel rolls, inverted flying, and their signature DNA manoeuvre in their distinctive red-and-white Hawk Mk-132 jets. Their seamless coordination and close formations left the audience in awe, reaffirming their status among the world’s elite aerobatic teams.

The two-day event, broadcast live on DD Sri Vijaya Puram and YouTube, received an overwhelming response, especially from the youth. The air show not only showcased India’s aviation capabilities but also inspired a deep sense of national pride.

The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) coordinated the event, ensuring its smooth execution. The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor praised the Indian Air Force’s professionalism and dedication, highlighting SKAT’s role in motivating future generations.

As SKAT concluded their performance, they left an indelible mark on Sri Vijayapuram, embodying the Indian Air Force’s motto—“Sadaiva Sarvottam” (Always The Best).

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