Visakhapatnam, March 01: The Andaman & Nicobar Bhawan at Narsimha Nagar, Akkayapalem, Visakhapatnam was inaugurated by the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Mr. Chetan B. Sanghi here yesterday. Dr Kambhampati Haribabu Garu, the Member of Parliament. Visakhapatnam, Smt. Madhu K Garg, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Shipping), A&N Administration, Mr. M Tirumala Krishna Babu, Chairman Visakhapatnam Port Trust, dignitaries from Andhra Pradesh Govt, Officers from APWD and Tourism, A&N Administration attended the function.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary said that the A&N Administration with a vision to develop infrastructure similar to New Delhi, Chennai & Kolkata at Visakhapatnam took possession of one acre of land at Visakhapatnam in June 2000 from the Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) on lease till 16th June, 2030 to build the Andaman & Nicobar Bhavan Complex. He stated that as a start-up to this project, the Directorate of Shipping, A&N Administration commenced construction of the Sub-office of the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) which includes one computerized ticketing office, a 50-bed dormitory and two A/C Transit rooms for passengers.
The inauguration of Andaman & Nicobar Bhavan, Visakhapatnam will suffice the long pending and constant demand from the Telugu Community represented by various Associations in A &N Islands for better passenger amenities at Visakhapatnam. Till now, the passengers were constrained to stay in the cargo shed of SCI at VPT which was long disused and due for demolition, the Chief Secretary mentioned.
The Chief Secretary further stated that in addition to the ticketing counter, the Directorate of Shipping is also pursuing the transportation of cargo from Visakhapatnam to Port Blair in Mainland sector vessels which have a cargo capacity of 1,500 MT, similar to what is available in Chennai & Kolkata.
The availability of this facility will boost direct trade between Vizag & Port Blair, thereby, giving ample opportunity to the people to venture into business on both sides, the Chief Secretary remarked. Further development would come-up in a phased manner in the best interests of the general public as well as a boost to the Tourism Sector of A & N Islands, he added.
Meanwhile, a Ship Ticket Advance Reservation System (STARS) at Visakhapatnam became operational by issue of first ticket by Mr. Kambhampati Haribabu Garu, Member of Parliament, Visakhapatnam. The general public now can book tickets from the newly inaugurated Sub-Office of Shipping Services at Narsimhahnagar, Akkayyapalem Visakhapatnam from March, 2019. For any assistance contact the Officer- In- Charge (Shipping Services),Visakhapatnam, Mr. M.L.Peter at 0891-2727055 / 9474220055.