The Directorate of Shipping Services has reintroduced evening ferry services connecting Sri Vijaya Puram with Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep, responding to sustained demand from residents seeking more flexible travel options. The revised services will come into effect from March 9, with ticket issuance for the upcoming week beginning March 6.
According to the notified schedule, a daily direct service will depart Sri Vijaya Puram at 1430 hrs for Shaheed Dweep, arriving at 1615 hrs, before returning at 1630 hrs and reaching Sri Vijaya Puram at 1815 hrs. In addition, a separate daily service to Swaraj Dweep will depart Sri Vijaya Puram at 1700 hrs, arriving at 1915 hrs. The return journey will commence the following morning at 0530 hrs from Swaraj Dweep, halt at Shaheed Dweep at 0640 hrs, depart at 0645 hrs, and reach Sri Vijaya Puram at 0845 hrs.
The Directorate clarified that with the introduction of the revised arrangement, the existing 1430 hrs service from Sri Vijaya Puram to Swaraj Dweep via Shaheed Dweep will stand withdrawn from March 9. The restructuring is aimed at streamlining routes and offering more predictable connectivity for both islands.
Evening sailings are particularly significant for island residents who rely on maritime transport for work, trade, medical visits and educational commitments. Limited daylight schedules in the past had prompted repeated representations from commuters seeking an option that would allow same-day return or extended stay flexibility. The reinstated services are expected to address those concerns by widening the operational window.
Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep are among the most frequented destinations in the Andaman archipelago, serving not only local populations but also seasonal tourist traffic. Reliable ferry connectivity remains central to the functioning of inter-island mobility, especially in regions where road infrastructure is absent and air links are limited.
The Directorate indicated that the revised timetable has been structured to balance commuter demand with vessel deployment efficiency. Operational planning has factored in turnaround time, early morning connectivity and evening dispersal patterns to ensure smoother movement across routes.
Maritime transport continues to serve as the backbone of public mobility in the Union Territory. Adjustments to ferry schedules often carry broader implications for economic activity and daily life across inhabited islands. By reinstating the evening ferry services, the administration has sought to reinforce connectivity and provide additional travel flexibility.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to safe and reliable maritime operations, stating that schedule modifications will be monitored and further reviewed based on commuter response and operational feasibility. For residents of Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep, the return of evening sailings marks a restoration of a crucial transport link that shapes everyday island life.
