Andaman islanders plead for a better deal from Delhi

Residents of Andaman and Nicobar Islands have urged Defense Minister Rajnath Singh for better air connectivity between the archipelago and other parts of the country.

Mr Singh met them during his visit to Union territory on January fifth according to local media reports.

At the meeting, the residents expressed concern over the steep hike airfares from Port Blair to other parts of India including Chennai and Kolkata, and how tourism industry in the island was getting affected because of less number of flight services due to the runway up-gradation work going on for several months..

They urged the defense minister to take steps to start flight services between Port Blair and Shibpur airport in Diglipur to handle medical emergencies, he said.

The extension of runways at Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay airports in Great Nicobar Island was also raised with the minister.

Mr Singh is on a two-day visit to the Union territory.