V. Sivadasan, MP, demands rollback of Lakshadweep ship fare hike

V. Sivadasan, MP, has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to roll back the hike in ship fare to Lakshadweep.

The hike was made without adequate public consultation or advance notice. It has caused significant financial burden on the islanders who depend entirely on these services for travel, access to healthcare, education, and essential supplies, he said.

He said that the revised fares included an increase from ₹330 to ₹470 for bunk class and from ₹3,510 to ₹4,920 for first class on the Kochi - Kavaratti route. The fare hike has come at a time when ship connectivity has been drastically reduced. Only two vessels are currently in operation, while several others remain inactive, which has severely affected not only the movement of passengers but also the regular supply of essential goods to the islands, he said.

He expressed deep disappointment that such a significant policy decision was taken without meaningful consultation with local communities or elected representatives and described it as “a clear departure from democratic practice and administrative sensitivity”.

Published - June 04, 2025 01:59 am IST