Sri Vijaya Puram, July 9 : Congress leaders TSG Bhaskar and Tamil Selvan on July 8 accused the Andaman & Nicobar Administration and the Central Government of failing to address mounting public concerns over high airfares, healthcare shortages, deteriorating infrastructure, recurring water scarcity and employment, alleging that residents continue to bear the burden of inadequate long-term planning and policy intervention.
Addressing a press conference, TSG Bhaskar said soaring airfares have become one of the biggest challenges for islanders, particularly students pursuing higher education, patients travelling for specialised medical treatment and families facing emergencies. He alleged that one-way airfares to Chennai rise to nearly ₹26,000 during peak travel periods, making travel financially out of reach for many residents. According to him, a family of four travelling to the mainland may have to spend close to ₹4 lakh on airfare.
Bhaskar said he had repeatedly written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Andaman & Nicobar Administration seeking airfare regulation, fare caps during peak seasons and concessions for islanders. However, he alleged that no meaningful response had been received. He demanded the introduction of seasonal charter flights and regulated airfare to improve affordability for residents.
Raising concerns over tourism, Tamil Selvan alleged that expensive airfares are adversely affecting one of the islands’ largest employment-generating sectors. He questioned the administration’s claims of increasing tourist arrivals, contending that high travel costs discourage visitors from choosing the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a destination.
On healthcare, Bhaskar alleged that GB Pant Hospital in Sri Vijaya Puram continues to face a shortage of specialist doctors, including cardiologists, nephrologists and urologists. He also expressed concern over the transfer of cardiologist Dr. Shrikant, claiming the administration failed to retain experienced specialists despite repeated requests. He further alleged that shortages of technicians and non-functional laboratory facilities continue to affect patient care, compelling many residents to travel to the mainland for specialised treatment.
Tamil Selvan also criticised the condition of road infrastructure, particularly the stretches between Rangat and Mayabunder, alleging that the roads have become unsafe for commuters as well as emergency vehicles. He challenged senior officials to personally inspect the road network to understand the difficulties faced by the public.
He further raised concerns over recurring water shortages despite heavy rainfall, alleging that the administration lacks a comprehensive long-term water management strategy. He urged the authorities to strengthen water infrastructure, including desalination facilities, to meet future demand.
The Congress leaders also reiterated their demand for 100 per cent reservation for eligible local candidates in recruitment under the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, arguing that greater employment opportunities should be provided to islanders.
They additionally raised the long-pending demand of auto-rickshaw drivers for a revision of fares, alleging that rates have remained unchanged for nearly five years despite increasing fuel prices and maintenance costs.
Concluding the press conference, TSG Bhaskar and Tamil Selvan said the Congress would continue raising issues affecting the people of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and urged the Central Government and the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to take immediate steps to address concerns relating to air connectivity, healthcare, tourism, water security, infrastructure and employment.
