Padmesh Prabhune

Pic: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal (MoPSW) studies a map to understand the progress made

A major harbour has been proposed at Atlanta Bay near Diglipur in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands for which a feasibility study is in progress.

Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The Atlanta bay has a natural draft of 19/20 metres. Currently a jetty with 5 m draft is serving for berthing of inter-island vessels of 4.00m draft. Considering the strategic location and other facilities available, a Bulk Cargo transshipment hub can be developed in Atlanta Bay. The feasibility study for developing Atlanta bay as a major Harbour is under process.”

The Atlanta bay 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 & other construction materials, Iron ore etc., to Bangladesh and Myanmar. Once operationalized, the Bulk Cargo Transshipment Port will be economically beneficial for our country as well as to our neighbors. The proposed port is 565 Km from Yangoon; 765 Km from Sittwe; 1000 Km from Chittagong; 1100 Km from Kolkata; 1000 km from Barisal and 80Km from the Coco Islands.

The minister, during his two-day visit of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, also surveyed the International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) a Sagarmala Project being developed at Galathea Bay, and interacted with the various stakeholders, local residents and representatives.

There are 58 projects worth Rs. 7,622 Crores in Andaman and Nicobar being monitored under Sagarmala programme. Among these 15 projects worth Rs. 469 Crores are being funded under Sagarmala and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).

The Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW), under the Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways in developing Marine infrastructure in Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.

-Marex Media