The Union Minister of   Shipping, Shri G.K. Vasan informed the Rajya  Sabha today  in a written reply to a question that the Shipping Sector being the lifeline of Islanders, has made substantial  development in providing mobility to men and material between Mainland-Island on one side and Inter-Islands on the other. The Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) is responsible for manning, maintaining and operation of the vessels owned by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. Shipping is the main mode of transportation for passenger and cargo between the Islands. DSS is presently providing shipping services between the Islands.

The Minister further stated that presently 89 vessels are being operated by DSS in the following four sectors of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

(i)                Mainland-Island Sector: To provide services between Port Blair and Kolkata/Chennai//Vizag.

(ii)     Inter-Island Sector: To provide services between Port Blair and the southern   group of Islands

(ii)             Foreshore Sector:  To provide services between Port Blair and nearby islands    

   (iv)        Harbour Ferry Sector: To provide services within the sheltered water and narrow creeks by ferry vessels.

MG/aruna – PQ2 – usq 1855