Diglipur: In a significant step towards strengthening inter-island connectivity in North Andaman, the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) has launched a new chartered 50-passenger ferry service linking Aerial Bay, Gandhi Nagar and the popular tourist destination of Smith Island, promising faster, more reliable and commuter-friendly marine transport without any increase in fares.
The service commenced operations on Sunday and was formally flagged off at Aerial Bay Jetty by the Assistant Commissioner of Diglipur, Santosh Prakash, in the presence of Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) representatives and Deputy Director of Shipping Services, J. Gopinath.
The ferry has been introduced under the Directorate’s recently finalised chartering arrangement with three private operators as part of a broader initiative to enhance the quality, reliability and accessibility of sea transport services across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Officials said the new service is expected to substantially improve connectivity for local residents, daily commuters and tourists travelling between Aerial Bay, Gandhi Nagar and Smith Island, ensuring more dependable ferry operations while easing travel in the Diglipur region.
In a major relief for passengers, the Directorate clarified that the induction of the chartered ferry will not lead to any increase in ticket prices. Commuters will continue to pay the existing government-approved fares, with passenger tariffs remaining fully regulated by the Directorate of Shipping Services.
The launch of the new ferry service forms part of DSS’s continuing efforts to modernise maritime public transport and reinforce inter-island connectivity. The Directorate reiterated its commitment to introducing dependable ferry services that enhance public convenience, support tourism and strengthen the overall transport infrastructure of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
