The Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) has launched a 24×7 online ship ticket reservation system, allowing passengers to book tickets at any time through the upgraded STARS e-Ticketing System. The new facility, launched by Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar at the Secretariat in Sri Vijaya Puram, aims to enhance convenience and flexibility for travellers across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Previously, the online booking system operated only between 9 AM and 4 PM, mirroring the working hours of physical ticket counters. With the latest enhancement, passengers can now reserve ship tickets at any time of the day or night, from their homes or offices, without any time restrictions. The move is expected to ease crowding at booking counters and streamline maritime travel across the islands.
The 24×7 service was inaugurated in the presence of Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Shipping) Chanchal Yadav, Secretary (Shipping) Purva Garg, and Director of Shipping Services, Commander Vijay Kumar. The initiative, officials said, represents a key milestone in the Directorate’s efforts to modernise passenger services and improve the overall user experience through digital transformation.
The upgraded facility is accessible via the Directorate’s official portal, https://dss.andamannicobar.gov.in/eticketing. Through the portal, passengers can access a range of services including ticket booking, ship schedules, fare charts, and route details. For ease of access, a QR code linking directly to the portal has been introduced, enabling mobile-friendly ticketing.
The development aligns with the broader Digital India mission, which aims to enhance government-to-citizen services through technology-driven platforms. By extending availability to 24 hours a day, the system reduces the dependency on physical counters and eliminates time constraints faced by travellers, particularly those on remote islands or working non-standard hours.
The technical implementation of the 24×7 system was carried out by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). The project team was led by Senior Project Engineer V.K. Nazeera Siddique, who oversaw integration and testing to ensure seamless online operations from Sri Vijaya Puram.
According to officials, the initiative is part of a wider effort to make maritime transport in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric. The DSS has been gradually upgrading its infrastructure, improving both online and offline passenger facilities to meet increasing travel demands within the island chain.
The new service is also expected to support tourism by simplifying the travel planning process for visitors. Easy digital access to tickets and route information will help tourists plan inter-island travel more effectively, particularly during peak seasons.
For residents, the change represents a major convenience upgrade. Travellers who previously had to queue at counters or adjust to limited booking hours will now be able to complete the process online, anytime. This aligns with the administration’s ongoing commitment to expanding e-governance and promoting tech-based service delivery.
The Directorate of Shipping Services continues to focus on ensuring safe, reliable, and convenient maritime transport for both residents and tourists. With the 24×7 online booking system now in place, officials expect a significant improvement in passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency across the network.
