Sri Vijaya Puram, May 6:
In a bid to accommodate the spike in travel during the summer vacation period, the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), Andaman and Nicobar Administration, has introduced critical adjustments to its shipping schedule. With the MV Swaraj Dweep – currently the only vessel servicing the Mainland-Island sector – unavailable, the administration turned to inter-island vessels to handle passenger demand for sailings to Chennai and Vizag.
Recognising the pressing needs of the islanders and the travelling diaspora, DSS rerouted its resources and scheduled two major sailings from Sri Vijaya Puram: MV Nalanda departed for Chennai via Nancowry and Campbell Bay on May 4, and MV Campbell Bay set sail for Vizag on May 5.
Tickets for these voyages were made available exclusively through the Directorate’s online booking platform and STARS ticketing counters situated across the Union Territory. The move to digitised booking aimed to eliminate long queues and manual booking hassles, allowing seamless access even for residents with limited internet connectivity. A significant number of passengers opted for this mode, praising the streamlined experience.
Despite full occupancy, not all travellers managed to secure tickets. According to officials, the high demand outstripped the available capacity, prompting the Directorate to announce additional sailings. A new voyage to Vizag has been scheduled for May 14, and another to Chennai for May 16.
This proactive step is part of DSS’s broader strategy to enhance transport infrastructure and ensure transparent, hassle-free services across the archipelago. Officials confirmed that the Department continues to evaluate travel patterns, especially during peak seasons, to optimise service delivery.
In recent years, summer has consistently seen the highest passenger traffic, particularly from islanders visiting mainland cities for education, medical treatment, and vacations. The need for robust sea connectivity has become more urgent, especially given the limited number of operational vessels.
The online ticketing system has played a significant role in modernising access. STARS counters, manned by trained staff, have bridged the gap for the digitally unconnected, providing assisted bookings while maintaining data integrity and real-time availability tracking.
While the DSS maintains that MV Swaraj Dweep will return to service once available, they have not specified a timeline. In the meantime, the use of inter-island ships to supplement the load indicates a shift toward more flexible deployment based on demand forecasting.
Passengers are encouraged to monitor official DSS channels for updates and further sailing announcements.
