Sailing to Kolkata and from Vizag Passengers Planned

Port Blair, June 1: As part of the transportation of stranded passengers to and from A&N Islands to Mainland, MV Nicobar arrived Port Blair at 1700 Hrs on 01st June 2020 with 87 stranded passengers from Chennai. Earlier MV Nancowry had sailed from Port Blair on 26th May 2020 with 161 passengers.

As a continuing effort to transport the remaining passengers, the Directorate of Shipping Services has also planned sailings to and from Kolkata and also from Vizag.  The details of these sailings are as follows:

  1. a) 09/10.06.2020: Port Blair – Kolkata: MV Nicobar: 05.06.2020 at 1100 Hrs     
  2. b) 12.06.2020: Kolkata – Port Blair: MV Swarajdweep: 08.06.2020 at 1400 Hrs
  3. c) 08/09.06.2020: Vizag – Port Blair: MV Nancowry: 05.06.2020 at 1400 Hrs

The A&N Administration is in constant touch with the concerned officials of West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh Governments to ensure smooth intra / inter state movement of the passengers from their present locations to Kolkata and Vizag Ports respectively. Further the staff of DSS / SCI present at Kolkata and Vizag have also been directed to finalise all administrative requirements in consultation with the respective Port and Health Authorities to ensure that the intended passengers do not face any difficulties.

Due to the ongoing restrictions and requirements to comply with the norms of social distancing, the ships of the Directorate will be able to carry only 50 % of their capacity i.e 600 passengers each.  The ticketing will be on first come first serve basis.  Further, the protocol as suggested by the MHA will be strictly enforced for screening and transportation of passengers. All incoming/outgoing passengers would also require to undergo mandatory quarantine as per protocol/ Directives of the respective state Governments in this regard. All personnel will be required to pay for the travel/ ship ticket as per promulgated rates.

Passengers travelling from Port Blair may purchase their tickets from DSS / STARS Counters / CSC’s as convenient . Ticketing from Kolkata and Vishakapatnam will be done on the jetty prior to departure of the vessels.  Further details if any, will be elaborated by the DSS through Seva Suchanayein in AIR / Daily Telegrams.  For any queries please contact DSS Helpline No. 03192- 245555, 232714 between 0900 Hrs to 1700 Hrs on all working days.