Port Blair, Aug 27: The Member of Parliament, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration to introduce UPI (Unified Payments Interface) payment system in the shipping services.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, the Member of Parliament said that thousands of people, who frequently travel between Chatham, Bamboo Flat and other ports, as well as inter-island ferry travellers, rely on the ferry services daily for their transportation needs within the islands. However, the existing process of purchasing ferry tickets with cash poses certain challenges for both passengers and the environment.

He pointed out that it is not only inconvenient for passengers who need to carry exact change but it also results in the issuance of paper tickets, contributing to paper wastage.

In the spirit of making our public transportation system more streamlined, eco-friendly and user-friendly, the Member of Parliament requested the Chief Secretary to consider introducing the UPI (Unified Payments Interface) payment system in the shipping services.

He said that by implementing this digital payment method, passengers will be able to make hassle-free payments for their ferry tickets using their mobile phones or other digital devices. This will eliminate the need for carrying cash and searching for exact change, enhancing the overall experience for the passengers.

He also mentioned that this will also save time for passengers and shipping staff during issuance of tickets and make the entire process hassle free. During rain and scorching heat, the minimum time taken for ticket issuance will be a blessing for passengers.

Furthermore, the Member of Parliament proposed that the ferry tickets be generated and delivered through email or messaging platforms, wherever possible. “This approach will significantly reduce the consumption of paper, promoting an environmentally friendly approach while aligning with our commitment to conservation and sustainable practices,” he added.