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‘Sindhu’ Sets Sail to Barren Island, Marking a Historic Moment in Indian Maritime Tourism
Sindhu Vessel: Initiated by the Andaman Administration, the passenger vessel "Sindhu" successfully completed its maiden voyage to Barren Island, India's only active volcano. The vessel carried 500 passengers and 125 students. During the voyage, the passengers witnessed the volcano's red glow and the sunrise.
A historic step has been taken in order to provide a new direction for tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The passenger ship "Sindhu" has made its maiden trip to Barren Island, India's sole active volcano. On Saturday, the ship sailed back safely to Port Blair with all the passengers and students aboard. This trip is being regarded as a great milestone for the Andaman Administration.
Chief Secretary Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar flagged off the vessel from Haddo Wharf at 9 pm on October 24. This voyage was launched to promote tourism and connect local islanders with the natural heritage. Barren Island, located approximately 140 kilometers from Port Blair by sea, lies at the junction of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates and is the only active volcano on the Indian subcontinent.
The ship "Sindhu" sailed at nearly full capacity, carrying 500 passengers. This included 125 students from government schools selected from various regions of the archipelago. Passengers described seeing the volcano up close as a thrilling experience. Passenger Archana Devi said it was amazing to see the volcano glowing red from a distance of a few nautical miles. Tourists Monideepa Chaudhary and S. Pillai praised the ship's staff's courtesy, cleanliness, and delicious food.
The ship departed from Haddo Wharf on Friday evening, and the next morning, passengers witnessed a breathtaking view of the volcano, as the island's peak shone with a red glow. On Saturday morning, the ship circled the entire island, allowing passengers to witness the sunrise and the volcanic beauty. The Sindhu then began its return journey at 8 a.m. and returned to Port Blair at around 3 p.m. This voyage proved to be the most unique and historic maritime expedition ever undertaken by the administration.
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The Sindhu ship offers four types of accommodation: Coral Suite, Reef Suite, Island Breeze, and Lagoon. An additional ₹2,000 will be charged for meals throughout the voyage. Chief Secretary Dr. Kumar stated that two such voyages will now be organized each month to enable tourists and locals to witness this remarkable natural spectacle up close. He stated that this service marks the beginning of a new era in the Andaman tourism sector.
