Addressing the Transportation Crisis in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands face a recurring crisis during the summer vacation season, as residents struggle to secure affordable transportation to the mainland. The issue is stark: long queues, limited ship tickets, and exorbitant flight fares—often reaching ₹25,000—leave ordinary citizens, especially daily wage earners and families, stranded. Many are forced to wait for days at ticket counters, enduring harsh conditions without basic amenities like water, toilets, or shelter. The desperation is palpable, with some residents, including women and differently-abled individuals, camping out for days to secure a spot on a ship, only to face uncertainty about ticket availability. This situation is compounded by an inefficient ticketing system, where online platforms exclude those without digital access, and offline counters are overwhelmed.
The core issue lies in the mismatch between demand and supply. During peak seasons, the demand for travel surges as families visit the mainland for medical treatment, education, or cultural obligations. However, the limited number of ships—often delayed or under-capacity—cannot accommodate the population’s needs. Flights, while an alternative, are financially out of reach for most, with fares far exceeding the monthly earnings of a typical worker. The discontinuation of subsidized chartered flights has further exacerbated the problem, leaving residents with few viable options. Additionally, the lack of basic facilities at ticketing counters highlights a broader administrative neglect of the islanders’ plight.
A multi-pronged solution is urgently needed. First, the administration must increase the frequency of ships during peak seasons, ensuring smaller vessels (400-500 passengers) operate fortnightly to meet demand. Second, the ticketing system should prioritize offline distribution during summer months to ensure equitable access, reserving a portion of tickets for vulnerable groups like the differently-abled and families with children. Third, reinstating subsidized chartered flights could alleviate pressure on maritime transport, making air travel accessible to more residents. Finally, the administration must provide basic amenities at ticketing counters—water, toilets, and security—to ensure the safety and dignity of waiting passengers. These steps, if implemented with urgency, can transform a systemic failure into an opportunity to better serve the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.