Beypore: After a long wait, passenger ship services between Beypore Port and Lakshadweep are set to resume. Tiruchy Subham Enterprises, a Tamil Nadu-based company, has decided to launch the service with approval from the Central Government.

According to the company’s Managing Director and Chairman, Dr. Sundararaj Ponnusamy, the decision came after recognising the hardships faced by passengers traveling between Beypore and Lakshadweep. He said the efforts and agitations led by MP M.K. Raghavan played a key role in prompting action on the issue.

The passenger vessel, named “Shubham,” will begin operations on August 15, running services between Beypore and Lakshadweep. Earlier, five ships operated on this route, but services from Beypore ended when those vessels were shifted to Mangaluru Port.

Since then, island residents and travelers from Beypore had to depend on ships operating from Kochi, often struggling to obtain tickets. Under the new arrangement, travelers will no longer need a permit from the Lakshadweep Administration to visit the islands. An Aadhaar card, a valid ship ticket, and security clearance will be sufficient.

The journey from Beypore to Androth Island will take about 8 hours, and the vessel will also serve other islands in Lakshadweep. The ship can accommodate a total of 250 passengers:

• 213 passengers in Economy Class

• 27 passengers in Business Class

• 10 passengers in Premium Class