The closure of the Chatham Bridge has significantly increased pressure on the Phoenix Bay–Bambooflat ferry route, which has become a key commuting link for residents travelling between the two points. Commuters and ferry workers say the surge in passenger traffic has led to severe overcrowding during peak hours, raising concerns about passenger safety.
According to several regular passengers, ferries designed to carry around 150 passengers appear to carry significantly higher numbers during busy morning and evening hours, forcing many commuters to stand inside cabins and on open decks.
The congestion is particularly noticeable during the morning rush, especially on ferries departing Phoenix Bay at around 7:15 am toward Bambooflat and returning at about 7:45 am, when large numbers of office-goers and students travel on the route. Similar crowding is reported during the evening commute, particularly on 5:15 pm and 6:15 pm departures.
“Passengers are forced into cramped conditions every day. Many have to stand since the boat only has around 150 seats. Travelling in such crowded conditions feels risky,” a commuter who regularly uses the route told The Wave Andaman.
Questions have also been raised by some ferry workers and sources familiar with operations about the condition and maintenance schedule of certain vessels operating regularly on the route. A source associated with the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) said ferries such as Hornbill, Sherali Dugaong, and Paduak are deployed frequently and require regular servicing given the heavy usage.
The source further claimed that life jackets are available only for the officially permitted passenger capacity, which commuters say could pose difficulties if the number of passengers onboard exceeds that figure. The source also raised concerns regarding the status of scheduled surveys for some vessels, although officials have not publicly confirmed these claims.
Ferry workers say managing crowds during peak hours can also be challenging. One worker said that crew members often issue safety advisories, but passengers eager to board sometimes ignore instructions.
“We warn passengers about safety norms and ask them to follow instructions, but during rush hours many people are in a hurry to board,” the worker said.
Past incidents in the waters around Sri Vijaya Puram have highlighted the potential consequences of overloading and inadequate safety preparedness. In January 2014, a private ferry carrying passengers between Ross Island and North Bay sank after reportedly taking on water. The accident resulted in the deaths of more than 20 passengers, while several others were rescued by the Coast Guard, Indian Air Force personnel and local residents.
The incident remains a reminder of the importance of strict adherence to passenger limits and safety norms in ferry operations.
The Phoenix Bay–Bambooflat ferry route is among the busiest commuter links in the region, carrying large numbers of passengers daily. Commuters say that with the Chatham Bridge currently closed, reliance on the ferry service has increased further.
Passengers and ferry workers say measures such as stricter enforcement of passenger limits, ensuring adequate safety equipment, and maintaining regular servicing and safety checks of vessels could help address the concerns.
The Wave Andaman has reached out to the Directorate of Shipping Services regarding the issues raised by commuters and staff, including overcrowding and safety preparedness. A response from the authorities was awaited at the time of publication.
