In a move aimed at expanding digital access to transport services, the Directorate of Shipping Services has launched a 24×7 online facility for booking Monthly Harbour Sector Passes. The initiative allows daily commuters to secure passes at any time without visiting ticket counters, marking a shift toward round-the-clock digital service delivery.
The new system has been introduced in response to sustained public demand for easier access to harbour transport services. With a significant number of residents depending on inter-island ferries for work, education and routine travel, monthly passes remain a critical component of maritime commuting in the Islands. By enabling online booking, the Directorate aims to reduce queues, streamline access and improve overall commuter convenience.
Officials clarified that the online platform will function in addition to the existing manual ticket counters, which will continue operating as usual. Commuters may choose between the digital mode and counter-based services depending on preference and accessibility. The dual system is intended to ensure flexibility while encouraging gradual adoption of e-governance tools.
The application supporting the online booking facility has been developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) team based in Sri Vijaya Puram. The integration of a technology-driven solution aligns with broader government objectives of modernising public services and promoting digital governance frameworks across departments.
Monthly Harbour Sector Passes are widely used by regular passengers travelling between key harbour points in and around the capital region. Traditionally, obtaining or renewing these passes required physical presence at designated counters during working hours. The online facility removes time restrictions, allowing transactions to be completed at any hour.
The Directorate indicated that the initiative forms part of a larger effort to strengthen transparency, accessibility and efficiency within maritime transport services. Digital booking systems are expected to improve record-keeping, reduce administrative bottlenecks and offer greater predictability in passenger management.
Shipping services remain the backbone of connectivity in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where sea routes serve as primary transport corridors linking inhabited islands. Enhancements to ticketing and pass systems directly influence commuter experience and operational management.
While the shift to a digital platform represents a significant administrative step, authorities maintained that manual systems will remain operational to accommodate passengers who may not have immediate digital access. This hybrid approach seeks to balance technological advancement with inclusivity.
The Directorate reiterated its commitment to providing safe, reliable and commuter-friendly maritime transport. By extending booking access beyond standard office hours, the administration has sought to align transport services with the everyday needs of residents who depend on harbour connectivity for livelihood and mobility.
