Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 01 January 2025
The year 2025 promises to be transformative for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, heralding unprecedented growth and development through significant projects like the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Great Nicobar. These initiatives are set to reshape the islands’ economic and infrastructural landscape, bringing prosperity and opportunities to the local population.
On December 20, 2024, during the 16th Apna Pariwar Global Business Conclave at Symphony Samudra Beachside Jungle Resort & Spa, Sri Vijaya Puram, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor announced the ICTT project at Great Nicobar is in its final stage. The only remaining step is the Cabinet’s approval, which is expected to be granted in around a month. Following this, the tendering process will commence.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that all necessary formalities for the project—including consultancy, detailed project reports, and environmental impact assessments—have been completed. He also addressed concerns raised by environmental activists, stating that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had placed a conditional stay on the project, which has since been vacated. With these hurdles cleared, the project is now ready for execution.
The ICTT project, to be executed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, is estimated to cost around ₹20,000 crore in its first phase. The first phase is projected to be operational within five years, with the port’s capacity to handle 4.3 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units).
Upon completion of its final phase, the total expenditure is expected to reach ₹48,000 crore, with the port’s handling capacity soaring to 16.5 million TEUs, making it the second-largest container-handling facility in India. The Lieutenant Governor invited investors to envision the extensive opportunities this project would create for ancillary industries and MSMEs.
The ICTT project is poised to bring immense benefits not only to the residents of Great Nicobar Island but also to the broader Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the nation as a whole. Employment opportunities across various sectors will attract talent from across the country, turning Great Nicobar into a hub of economic activity.
This transformative initiative is expected to drive ancillary developments, including the establishment of support industries and small businesses. The ripple effects of this mega project will significantly enhance the region’s socio-economic status, marking a new era for the islands.
As the ICTT project progresses, it is set to redefine the trajectory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, positioning the region as a critical node in global trade and logistics. The year 2025 will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal point in the islands’ journey toward modernisation and growth, with the Great Nicobar Mega Project at its helm.