The Directorate of Shipping Services has announced its sailing plans for January while also issuing an important update regarding the schedule of MV Kalighat, bringing both tourism-focused and passenger-service advisories under a single notification cycle. The fresh announcements include the January 2026 timetable for round cruises to Barren Island, the only active volcano in South Asia, and a revised departure date for MV Kalighat’s inter-island service to Nancowry via Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Chowra, Teressa and Katchal.
The department confirmed that the Nalanda will operate two round cruises to Barren Island next month, scheduled for January 9 and January 23, both departing at 2100 hours. The high-demand service is designed to give residents and tourists a rare opportunity to view the region’s active volcano, a geological attraction that draws consistent interest from visitors to the Andaman Sea. Officials noted that the cruise has been gaining steady popularity due to increased interest in nature-based travel experiences and the distinctive location of the island, which cannot be accessed by land.
Tickets for the cruises will be available exclusively through the DSS e-ticketing portal, which operates round the clock and will open bookings for these sailings from December 15 at 0900 hours. A QR code linked to the portal has also been activated for user convenience. DSS stated that the digital ticketing system continues to streamline booking processes, especially during high-interest periods when demand typically outpaces supply. The department expects significant turnout for the January cruises, given rising visitor footfall and growing awareness about the natural phenomenon.
Alongside the tourism-oriented announcement, DSS issued a separate update regarding MV Kalighat’s inter-island sailing schedule. The vessel, which was initially slated to depart for Nancowry via all ports on December 25 at 0700 hours from Haddo Wharf, will now sail on December 26 at the same time due to administrative reasons. The return sailing from Nancowry is rescheduled for December 29 at 0500 hours, maintaining the vessel’s multi-port route on both legs of the journey. DSS highlighted that while the postponement adjusts the departure by a day, all other route details remain unchanged.
The AIS-wide network of inter-island ships remains crucial for connecting remote communities, and any schedule modifications typically require immediate dissemination to minimise disruption for passengers. DSS reinforced the importance of travellers checking the updated timings before planning connecting arrangements, especially those boarding from intermediate ports along the route. As the holiday period usually witnesses greater inter-island movement, the department underlined that timely updates are essential to ensure passenger preparedness.
The dual announcements reflect DSS’s parallel responsibilities: promoting tourism experiences such as the Barren Island cruise, and maintaining reliable transport links for residents. With the volcano cruises expected to attract a mix of domestic and international visitors, DSS has been working to balance leisure-oriented services with essential inter-island travel needs. The active volcano remains one of the archipelago’s most distinctive attractions, drawing curiosity due to its remote location, geological activity and the controlled manner in which visitors can approach the area.
DSS has encouraged passengers and tour operators to rely on official updates and digital portals for accurate information regarding sailings, availability and ticketing procedures. The department also continues to advise travellers to plan ahead during peak months and to be mindful of last-minute operational adjustments, which can occur due to weather or logistical requirements.
