Andaman MP Urges Alternative of Ageing Ferry MV Galathia on Katchal-Kamorta Route

Tarun Karthick

Port Blair, 22 August 2023

Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament representing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has made an earnest attraction to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to contemplate changing the ageing MV Galathia ferry, at the moment working on the very important Katchal-Kamorta route, with a extra dependable vessel.

In a proper letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma voiced the considerations dropped at his consideration by the residents of Katchal Island. According to the MP, MV Galathia, a ferry with a historical past spanning over 4 many years, now languishes in a state of disrepair and corrosion.

Sharma emphasised that the deteriorating situation of the MV Galathia poses not solely a hindrance to environment friendly transportation but in addition a grave threat to the lives of native residents who closely depend on this ferry for his or her every day commuting wants.

The visible proof of rust and corrosion adorning the vessel’s construction serves as a stark reminder of its dire state, Sharma famous. The ferry’s as soon as brisk pace has been compromised, leading to appreciable inconvenience for passengers who depend on it for well timed journey.

Furthermore, Sharma highlighted the abysmal lack of primary facilities which might be thought of important for passenger consolation and security. The vessel lacks snug seating preparations, clear services, and sufficient hygiene measures, additional compounding the hardships confronted by passengers throughout their journeys.

Given the crucial function that MV Galathia performs in connecting Nancowry and Katchal Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma urged the Chief Secretary to prioritize the alternative of this ageing vessel. He argued that doing so is crucial not just for the protection and well-being of the native inhabitants but in addition for guaranteeing a reliable and environment friendly technique of transportation for these island communities.