If you’ve ever struggled to find a reliable electrician, a nearby tailor, or even a trusted caterer in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, you’re not alone, and now, there’s finally a solution. The Wave Andaman has launched Search Andaman, the islands’ first dedicated business discovery and listing platform, aimed at bridging the long-standing information gap between consumers and local service providers.
Announcing the launch, Anamika Karati, CEO of The Wave Andaman Publications, said the platform was born out of the community’s growing need for trustworthy, island-specific service discovery. “Search Andaman is our sincere attempt to solve one of the most basic but critical problems in the islands, lack of reliable access to information on local products and services,” Karati said.
The project addresses a long-standing gap in the region, where limited digital infrastructure and logistical constraints often leave residents in the dark about local solutions. In the absence of centralised, updated directories, many residents have historically relied on word-of-mouth referrals or trial-and-error approaches to find services, a time-consuming and often frustrating process.
Search Andaman aims to change that. The web-based platform already features over 200 verified listings across a wide range of categories and is built with scalability in mind. Local entrepreneurs and service providers can opt for either free or premium listings, and an easy Know Your Customer (KYC) process ensures listings are both safe and authentic.
But what truly sets the platform apart is its AI-powered query engine. Unlike traditional directories where users must manually browse categories, Search Andaman allows visitors to ask natural-language questions, such as “best-rated pest control in Haddo” or “affordable decorators in South Point”, and receive curated suggestions in response. This intelligent approach aims to reduce friction in local commerce by improving match quality between buyer and seller.
Karati confirmed that while the platform is currently live only in web format, a dedicated mobile app is under development and will soon be available on major app stores. Plans are already in motion for an aggressive expansion of both reach and features, with particular attention to user experience, mobile responsiveness, and coverage of remote islands.
“This is not just a tech product. It’s a community platform,” Karati added. “And we’re banking on the support of the islanders to make it a roaring success.”
The initiative also holds potential socio-economic implications. By promoting local services and reducing reliance on mainland-based vendors and delayed e-commerce shipments, Search Andaman could significantly cut costs and waiting times for residents, while helping small businesses gain much-needed visibility in a geographically fragmented market.
The launch comes at a time when digital infrastructure and e-governance are being increasingly prioritized across the Union Territory. With local buy-in and consistent updates, Search Andaman could evolve into a one-stop solution not just for consumers, but also for authorities looking to coordinate community-level responses or disaster assistance.
Search Andaman can now be accessed at: https://searchandaman.in
