Infrastructure
Sarbananda Sonowal At Proposed Site Of Major Harbour Planned In Andaman And Nicobar Islands
Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal (WikiCommons)
A major harbour is proposed at Atlanta Bay in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal concluded a two-day island visit for the same purpose and inspected Atlanta Bay near Diglipur.
Currently, a jetty with a 5m draft serves inter-island vessels with a 4m draft. Given its strategic location, a Bulk Cargo transshipment hub is under consideration, with a feasibility study in progress.
Atlanta Bay, featuring a natural draft of 19/20, is just 50m from the sea, has a natural break, and excellent road connectivity. Positioned on the route from East and NE India to East and SE Asia, Australia-New Zealand, it also serves as a route for transporting coal, sand, construction materials, and iron ore to Bangladesh and Myanmar.
The proposed Bulk Cargo Transshipment Port promises economic benefits for India and neighboring countries. Located strategically in the northern side of A&N Islands, it requires a 10m draft harbor to promote high-end tourism and meet essential needs, significantly reducing travel time between major ports at Andaman and Kolkata from 72 to 15 hours.
Minister Sonowal conducted an aerial survey of the International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP), a Sagarmala Project at Galathea Bay. He explored the potential of developing the Indira Point area as a tourism destination in the southernmost part of India's territory at Great Nicobar Island. During his visit to Campbell Bay, he reviewed the progress of the Berthing Jetty Extension project and commended the work done by Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW) over the last five decades.
With 58 projects worth Rs 7,622 cr in Andaman and Nicobar monitored under the Sagarmala program, ALHW plays a crucial role in developing marine infrastructure in the region for over 50 years. These projects include breakwaters, major wharfs, jetties, vehicle ferry ramps, HDPE floating jetties, fish landing centers, dry docks, slipways, shore protection works, dredging, roads, bridges, and port terminal buildings.
Under Maritime India Vision 2030, development plans for Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands focus on job creation through tourism promotion and exports of locally-made seafood and coconut-based products.
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