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Mangalore, Jan. 21 People from Lakshadweep islands, under the banner of ‘Mangalore Lakshadweep Conference,’ have sought better ship connectivity between Mangalore and Lakshadweep.

Addressing mediapersons here on Monday, Mr Atta Koya Thangal, Member of the Mangalore Lakshadweep Conference, said that Lakshadweep Island is closer to Mangalore and speedy transportation is required from both Old Mangalore Port and New Mangalore Port.

Motor sailing vessels, numbering around 30, are carrying cargo to the island from Old Mangalore Port. This cargo constitutes around 90 per cent of the total private cargo to Lakshadweep.

The cargo barge of the administration is regularly carrying rice, sugar, and other commodities for the islanders from Old Mangalore Port for the past several years.

Annual turnover from the cargo movement between Old Mangalore and Lakshadweep stands at Rs 350 to 400 crore.

However, there is a need to operate passenger ship service between Old Mangalore Port and Lakshadweep. This will augment passenger ship service between Kochi and Lakshadweep.

He cited some reasons, such as the good number of quality professional educational institutions in Mangalore region, the cheaper cost of living in Mangalore compared to Kochi, and better medical facilities for a direct passenger ship service between Mangalore and Lakshadweep.

“The fare of journey to Mangalore will be less since distance from islands to Mangalore is comparatively less, and this will be helpful for the poor islanders,” Mr Thangal said.

Mr Moideen Bava, Member of Mangalore Lakshadweep Conference, said that there is also need for a direct flight from Mangalore to Agatti in Lakshadweep. This will boost the tourism of the both Mangalore and Lakshadweep regions.

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