Sri Vijaya Puram, May 6: In a major step towards digital transformation and improved public transport services, the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), Andaman and Nicobar Administration, has introduced online daily harbour ferry ticketing through the STARS E-Ticketing Portal with immediate effect.
The newly launched facility is aimed at enhancing passenger convenience, reducing waiting time at ticket counters, and streamlining ferry operations across the harbour sector in Sri Vijaya Puram. The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of daily commuters who rely on harbour ferry services for transportation between different points in the region.
Under the new digital system, passengers can now book both one-way and round-trip ferry tickets online for all operational harbor ferry routes in Sri Vijaya Puram. Officials said the online platform has been developed to provide a hassle-free and user-friendly ticket booking experience for commuters.
According to the Directorate, tickets booked through the online portal will remain valid for a single journey on the date of issuance. Authorities stated that the system has been designed to simplify the process of ticket booking while ensuring better passenger management during peak travel hours.
In addition to online daily ticket booking, the Directorate has also introduced online renewal of monthly ferry passes. The facility has been launched as an extension of the existing monthly pass system already being availed by regular commuters.
Officials said the online renewal feature is expected to significantly reduce inconvenience for passengers who previously had to visit ticket counters for pass renewal. The digital process will allow commuters to complete renewals quickly through the online portal without standing in long queues.
To strengthen transparency and ensure secure passenger authentication, the Administration has simultaneously implemented a QR-based digital verification system for all daily e-tickets and monthly passes. Each online ticket and monthly pass will carry a unique QR code that can be instantly verified by Checking Inspectors at ferry jetties using a dedicated mobile verification application.
Authorities stated that the QR-based system will help prevent ticket duplication, misuse, and fraudulent travel while ensuring faster verification during boarding procedures. The move is also expected to improve operational efficiency and passenger flow management at busy ferry terminals.
Passengers can avail of the new digital facility by accessing the official STARS E-Ticketing Portal launched by the Directorate of Shipping Services. The Administration has urged commuters and the general public to make use of the online platform for a more convenient and time-saving travel experience.
The Directorate further informed that the implementation of the online harbour ferry ticketing system has been facilitated by the Centre for Railway Information System (CRIS), which provided technical support for the digital infrastructure and integration process.
Officials described the initiative as part of the Administration’s broader efforts to modernise shipping and transportation services in the islands through technology-driven solutions. The Andaman and Nicobar Administration reiterated its commitment to providing safe, reliable, efficient, and passenger-friendly shipping services across the Union Territory.
Despite the launch of the online ticketing system, authorities clarified that existing offline daily ticket counters will continue functioning as usual to ensure convenience for all sections of commuters, including passengers who may not have immediate access to digital booking facilities.
The continuation of offline ticketing counters is expected to help elderly passengers, residents from remote areas, and occasional travellers who may still prefer conventional booking methods.
The introduction of online harbour ferry ticketing is being viewed as a significant modernisation step for the island transport network, particularly in a region where ferry services remain one of the most essential modes of daily public transportation.
With growing passenger traffic and increasing reliance on digital services, the Administration expects the online system to improve accessibility, minimise manual processing, and provide a smoother commuting experience for residents and visitors travelling through the harbour sector in Sri Vijaya Puram.
