Commuters in the southern group of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will benefit from an additional ferry service as the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) announced special sailings to Campbell Bay in early October. The move comes ahead of the festive season and is expected to ease passenger load on one of the longest sea routes in the islands.
According to the schedule, the vessel MV Kalighat will depart Sri Vijaya Puram on October 3 at 1500 hrs, sailing via Car Nicobar, Chowra, Teressa, Katchal, and Nancowry before reaching Campbell Bay on October 6. The return journey is set for October 6 at 1200 hrs from Campbell Bay, retracing the route through Nancowry, Katchal, Teressa, Chowra, Car Nicobar, and Little Andaman, and concluding back at Sri Vijaya Puram on October 8.
The DSS said the additional service is aimed at facilitating travel for residents of southern Nicobar islands and Campbell Bay, where demand spikes during the festive season. Tickets for the voyage will be available from September 27 through the DSS e-ticketing portal as well as STARS ticketing counters, operating daily between 0900 and 1600 hrs.
For many residents, the sailing represents a vital link. Campbell Bay, located on Great Nicobar, is the southernmost settlement in the union territory and is often dependent on irregular shipping services due to weather conditions. The extended route via intermediate islands such as Chowra and Teressa ensures that passengers from smaller communities also benefit from the special service.
The ferry schedule indicates early morning arrivals at intermediate ports, allowing passengers to board or disembark with minimal disruption. The DSS emphasized that such seasonal services are crucial for maintaining connectivity across the scattered geography of the Nicobar group.
Residents of these islands rely heavily on government-operated ferries for movement of not only passengers but also essential goods. The festive season typically sees increased travel for social visits, cultural events, and religious observances. The additional sailing is expected to provide relief to commuters who otherwise face limited availability on regular services.
The vessel MV Kalighat, which has been deployed for this route, is one of the fleet’s key passenger carriers capable of accommodating significant numbers over long sea distances. Officials said its deployment reflects the administration’s focus on ensuring reliable connectivity during periods of high demand.
This announcement also highlights the importance of maritime transport in the islands, where shipping services form the backbone of connectivity between distant communities. While air connectivity has expanded in recent years, many of the Nicobar islands remain dependent on ferries due to the absence of airstrips. The DSS continues to operate scheduled and special sailings to ensure that residents are not isolated during critical times of the year.
Passengers have been advised to plan travel in advance, given the expected rush during the festive period. The opening of ticket bookings from September 27 is intended to allow commuters adequate time to secure seats. Authorities have urged travelers to use the e-ticketing system to avoid queues at counters, while also ensuring that those without digital access can purchase tickets through STARS offices.
For the people of Nicobar, such initiatives offer more than just convenience, they symbolize the administration’s recognition of the challenges posed by distance and geography. The additional ferry to Campbell Bay provides assurance that festive celebrations can be shared with families and communities across islands without the stress of uncertain travel.
As the festive season approaches, the DSS’s proactive step underscores the critical role of maritime infrastructure in sustaining social and cultural life in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. With the MV Kalighat set to sail, commuters now have an added option to navigate the long distances of the southern group with greater ease.
