News Brief
Lakshadweep Set To Take On Maldives As Top Tourist Hub With Modi Government’s Major Infrastructure Push
PM Modi in Lakshadweep (PMO) (File Photo)
Around a year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep sparked renewed interest in the archipelago, the Central government is set to launch eight major projects aimed at boosting Lakshadweep's tourism connectivity and positioning it as a strong contender to destinations like the Maldives.
According to a Union government document reviewed by CNN-NEWS18, the proposed projects include enabling larger vessels to dock at Kavaratti, Agatti, and Minicoy islands.
Additional plans involve constructing passenger facilitation centres with modern amenities at Kalpeni, Kadmath, and Androth Islands, and developing open jetties at Kalpeni and Kadmath to accommodate cruise vessels.
The work on the first project worth Rs 303 crore involving construction of jetties and landside facilities at Kadmath Island is set to begin soon.
The tendering process for this project began on Wednesday (4 December).
The plan focuses on creating a multimodal jetty capable of accommodating all passenger vessels operating across the Lakshadweep islands, thereby enhancing connectivity, ensuring passenger safety and comfort, and improving tourist accessibility.
The government aims to establish comprehensive port and shipping infrastructure across all inhabited islands of Lakshadweep, ensuring uninterrupted shipping services and secure handling of passengers and cargo throughout the year.
The first project includes building jetties, landside amenities, and associated facilities on the eastern and western sides of Kadmath Island, situated approximately 407 kilometres from Kochi.
Kadmath, the longest inhabited island of the Aminidivi group, lies at the centre of Lakshadweep with a length of 9.3 km, a width of 0.57 km, and an area of 3.34 sq km.
With a length of 360 metres, the jetty is designed to berth cruise ships, with the project estimated to cost Rs 303 crore, according to the document.
The plan also includes construction of a Passenger Waiting Hall equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, featuring separate transit area demarcated as arrival and departure terminal.
The plan also involves construction of landside facilities, including passenger facilitation centre with modern amenities on both eastern and western side, warehouse etc in Kalpeni, Kadmath and Androth
Additionally, the project plans include expanding the eastern jetties at Kavaratti, Agatti, and Minicoy islands to accommodate larger vessels.
The other projects include refurbishment and extension of Androth breakwater, development of multimodal jetty and Navy jetty at Androth, and development of slipway and associated facilities at Kalpeni, Kadmath and Androth.
Cochin Port Authority is acting as the Project Management Consultant for providing technical support consultancy services while Assystem India Limited, Chennai, has prepared Detailed Project Report to study the requirements.
The majority of these developments will be financed through grants under the Sagarmala Programme, complemented by internal funds from the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
