Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 21 March 2025
Okay Venkat Ram Babu, State President of the Jana Sena Party (JSPAN) within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands & Pradhan of GP Wimberly Gunj, has urged the Hon’ble Lt. Governor to intervene and halt the introduced annual enhance in passenger and automobile ferry expenses within the harbour ferry sectors for 2025-2026.
In a letter addressed to the Lt. Governor, Venkat highlighted the monetary pressure brought on by the recurring annual fare hikes on every day commuters and automobile house owners who rely closely on the ferry providers for his or her livelihood and transportation.
According to the letter, the passenger fare for the Bambooflat to Chatham ferry route has been elevated from ₹14 to ₹15, efficient from April 1, 2025. Similarly, the costs for two-wheelers have risen from ₹55 to ₹60. Venkat expressed concern that these annual fare revisions have gotten a burden on the frequent individuals, notably those that rely upon these providers every day.
“The ferry services are a lifeline for the residents of the islands, and any increase in charges directly impacts the cost of living and travel expenses,” Venkat emphasised in his attraction. He requested the Lt. Governor to intervene and take into account regulating or stopping the annual fare hikes to supply much-needed aid to the islanders.
As ferry providers are a vital mode of transportation for the individuals of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Jana Sena Party hopes that the administration will take immediate motion to deal with the considerations of the general public.