Andaman Islands Transportation Guide

About ATR

The Andaman Trunk Road (ATR), officially designated as National Highway 4 (NH-4) and also known as the Great Andaman Trunk Road, stretches 333 kilometers, linking Chidyatapu in the south to Diglipur in the north. This major roadway is vital for transportation, commerce, and tourism across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Scenic View of ATR

ATR Through Forests

Bridge on ATR

Key Highlights

• Connectivity: The ATR seamlessly connects the four major islands — South Andaman, Baratang, Middle Andaman, and North Andaman — supporting efficient movement between them.
• Importance: It plays a critical role in facilitating the movement of people, goods, services, and boosting tourism throughout the region.
• Development: The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) is leading the upgrade project, which commenced in 2018. So far, 168 km of the road has been rebuilt using Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM) for better durability.

Historical Context & Controversy

Constructed during the 1970s to improve inter-island connectivity, the ATR has historically opened up access for settlers and tourists — but also raised concerns about the impact on indigenous communities like the Jarawa tribe.

The road passes through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve, a protected area, leading to legal and environmental challenges. The Supreme Court had once ordered sections passing through the reserve to be closed, though they currently remain open for commercial and tourist traffic, fueling ongoing debates about tribal welfare and environmental preservation.

Despite court rulings, the ATR continues to operate, with concerns lingering about the Jarawa tribe's exposure to external influences and associated health risks.

"The ATR is an engineering marvel that connects remote communities, but we must balance development with the protection of indigenous rights and fragile ecosystems."

Dr. Ananya Desai

Environmental Anthropologist

Recent Upgrades

In addition to road resurfacing, efforts by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways include bridging several creeks to ensure uninterrupted, all-weather connectivity, through initiatives like the Creek Bridges Project.

About Ferry Services

Inter-island ferry schedules across the Andaman Islands are primarily managed by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), part of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, along with private operators like Makruzz and Nautika. Ferries link major islands such as Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), and Long Island, making travel across the archipelago convenient and accessible.

Government Ferry

Private Ferry

Port Blair Terminal

Ferry Schedule Overview

Key Routes

Important Travel Tips

• Schedule Updates: Always check the latest ferry schedules on the DSS website or directly with private operators.
• Booking: Book ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Check-in Requirements: Report to the port at least 2 hours before departure. Embarkation gates close 30 minutes prior to sailing.
• Special Travel Requirements: Tribal Pass is mandatory for passengers traveling to the Nicobar Islands. Foreign nationals' travel is generally restricted beyond Hut Bay (Little Andaman).

About VSIA

Veer Savarkar International Airport (VSIA), located in Port Blair, is the primary airport serving the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Named after the Indian freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, it acts as a vital air link between the Islands and Mainland India.

VSIA Terminal Building

Airport Runway

Terminal Interior

Key Details

• Location: Port Blair, South Andaman Island
• Importance: VSIA is the main gateway to the islands, connecting Port Blair with major cities such as Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Delhi through direct flights.
• Operations: The airport handles both civilian and military operations, functioning as part of a civil enclave within an Indian Navy base.
• Facilities: It features modern amenities for travellers, including a recently inaugurated new integrated terminal building designed to significantly boost passenger capacity and improve overall travel experience.
• Connectivity: Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and others operate regular flights connecting VSIA with multiple mainland destinations.

International Flights

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Domestic Flight Schedule