Sagarmala monitors 58 projects in Andaman-Nicobar islands
A feasibility study for developing Atlanta Bay as a major harbour is under process, says Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal on concluding a two-day visit to review projects at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Considering the strategic location and other facilities available, a Bulk Cargo transshipment hub can be developed in Atlanta Bay near Diglipur, he said on 24 Nov 2023.
The Atlanta Bay has a natural draft of 19/20 and is just 50m distance in sea. There is availability of natural break and is well connected by road. Also, sufficient land can be reclaimed from the sea, he observed.
This transshipment hub is on the route from East & NE India to East & SE Asia, Australia-New Zealand countries. It is also on the route of coal, sand, iron ore and others construction materials for exports to Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Once operationalized, the Bulk Cargo Transshipment Port will be economically beneficial for India and the neighbouring countries.
The proposed port is 565 km from Yangoon; 765 km from Sittwe; 1,000 km from Chittagong; 1100 km from Kolkata; 1,000 km from Barisal and 80 km from the Coco Island.
Fifty-eight projects worth Rs.7,622 crores in Andaman and Nicobar are being monitored under Sagarmala programme while 15 projects worth Rs.469 crores are being funded under Sagarmala and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) islands and Lakshadweep Islands are also being developed under tourism and other initiatives as part of the Maritime India Vision 2030.
Furthermore, the development will cover sites on 12 more A&N islands and 5 in Lakshadweep islands in phase II. Fiinews.com
