.jpg?$p=e239f79&f=16x10&w=852&q=0.8)
Lakshadweep | Photo: Muralikrishnan B
Kozhikode: The transportation crisis in Lakshadweep has left numerous islanders stranded. Due to shortage of ship services, it has become difficult for passengers to obtain tickets to Lakshadweep.
Reportedly, only two ships are currently operating to Lakshadweep and the tickets are divided and sold at counters in Kochi, Mangaluru and Bepore ports.
Ship services to Lakshadweep are operated only from Kochi these days. There are no ships or vessels from Beypore.
Meanwhile, online tickets, which account for 10 per cent of the total tickets, have been limited for students and ailing patients. While the current ticket rate for islanders to Kochi is Rs 300, the ticket charge for those travelling to the island with permits is Rs 1,500.
According to regular passengers, tickets are easily available in the black market at an additional charge of Rs 1,000 per ticket.
Most of the islanders depend on ships for transportation as they are unable to afford flights. However, the majority of tourists opt for flights. The current flight ticket rate is Rs 6,100 per passenger.
“It is true that the passengers are in trouble. It is the Lakhadweep administrator who should solve the problem. The port director has been informed of the issue,” said Captain Ashwini Pratap, port officer in Kozhikode.
RELATED STORIES
.png?$p=865e647&q=0.8&f=16x11&w=104)
.jpg?$p=01b182c&q=0.8&f=16x11&w=104)
