Sri Vijaya Puram, July 27: Efforts to improve tourism infrastructure and streamline travel logistics in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands received fresh attention after the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) urged the police to introduce an online convoy permit system, enhance traffic management and strengthen awareness programmes for tourism stakeholders during a meeting with the Director General of Police.
An AATO delegation, led by President M. Vinod, General Secretary Saikat Biswas and Vice President K. Hamza, met Director General of Police Ravindra Singh Yadav following his assumption of office. During the meeting, the delegation discussed operational issues affecting the tourism sector and sought the support of the Police Department to improve visitor experience while ensuring safety and compliance with existing regulations.
Among the principal proposals placed before the DGP was the introduction of an online permit issuance system for vehicles travelling through the Jirkatang–Middle Strait Convoy route. The delegation said digitising the permit process would simplify formalities, reduce waiting time and make travel more convenient for both tourists and tour operators.
The delegation also proposed the introduction of an additional convoy exclusively for commercial trucks. According to AATO, separating heavy commercial vehicles from tourist traffic would help ease congestion in the existing convoy and facilitate smoother movement of vehicles carrying visitors travelling to North and Middle Andaman.
Highlighting the importance of responsible tourism, the association further recommended that the Police Department organise regular awareness and sensitisation programmes for tour operators, drivers, tour coordinators and other tourism professionals.
According to the delegation, the proposed programmes should focus on the harmful effects of alcohol and drug abuse, road safety, legal responsibilities and awareness of key laws and regulations governing tourism activities, including the Andaman and Nicobar Protection of Aboriginal Tribes (ANPAT) Regulations and other applicable provisions.
During the interaction, Ravindra Singh Yadav appreciated the suggestions presented by the delegation and directed the concerned officers to initiate regular awareness and sensitisation programmes for stakeholders associated with the tourism sector.
The Director General of Police also assured the delegation that the proposal for introducing an online permit system for the Jirkatang–Middle Strait Convoy would be examined and taken forward for consideration.
The AATO delegation thanked the Director General of Police for his positive response and assurance of cooperation, expressing hope that the proposed measures would contribute to improving tourism-related services and operational efficiency across the islands.
