Port Blair, Oct. 25: It was a night of excitement and anticipation at Haddo Wharf as the passenger vessel ‘Sindhu’ set sail on a special voyage to Barren Island, home to India’s only active volcano. The cruise was ceremoniously flagged off by the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, at around 8:50 pm on Friday, amid cheers from passengers and officials.
For the passengers aboard ‘Sindhu’, the night promised an unforgettable journey — sailing through the serene waters of the Andaman Sea toward a glowing island of fire and wonder.
The vessel, operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), carried 439 passengers, including 125 Government school students from across the Islands who were invited for this rare educational adventure — free of cost.
Speaking at the flag-off, the Chief Secretary expressed pride in the Administration’s efforts to make the long-envisioned Barren Island cruise a reality. “This is not just a journey; it’s an experience of witnessing nature’s raw power and beauty,” he said, adding that the Administration plans to operate two such trips every month to boost eco- and adventure tourism in the Islands.
Highlighting the educational value of the initiative, the Chief Secretary noted that the student participants would gain first-hand exposure to natural phenomena and environmental learning beyond classrooms. “Such experiences shape young minds and nurture responsible citizens,” he remarked.
The launch of the Barren Island cruise marked another milestone in promoting cruise tourism in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan added, is actively encouraging private participation to further unlock the region’s maritime tourism potential.
