Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 29 Mar 2021
The Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (Independent Charge) & Chemicals & Fertilizers, Govt. of India, Mansukh Mandaviya currently on a three-day visit to these Islands, today inaugurated the additional approach Jetty and Extension of Berthing Jetty at Shaheed Dweep in the presence of the Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Shipping, Dr. V. Candavelou, the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, Suneel Anchipaka, the Chief Engineer & Administrator, ALHW, T.N Krishnamoorthi and other officials of the A&N Administration and ALHW.
Addressing to the gathering, Union Minister indicated that Shaheed Dweep is an upcoming and preferred tourist destination after Swaraj Dweep and the newly inaugurated additional approach Jetty and Extension of Berthing Jetty today will facilitate speedier implementation of various developmental schemes, generate employment schemes and meet increased demands of Tourism. Apart from this, more infrastructural facilities required for Shipping, Tourism, Landing facility for Seaplane services also will be inducted soon which will bring more economic growth to the local people.
The present Government is giving more impetus to better port infrastructure facilities in these Islands and the project of additional approach Jetty and Extension of Berthing Jetty at Shaheed Dweep has been done to facilitate easy manoeuvring of vessels plying in foreshore sector. The fund amounting to Rs. 38.19 Crore for the project has been provided by Ministry of Shipping under Central Sector Plan Scheme and the project was executed by the Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW), informed the Chief Engineer & Administrator, ALHW during the inauguration of the Jetty.
The project envisaged components such as solid approach – 4.00X5.50 mtr, approach Jetty – 276 X 5.50 mtr, widening of existing berth – 40 X 5.50 mtr, extension of berthing jetty – 50.50 X 15.00 mtr and dredging- 38593 cum. This project at Shaheed Dweep has become necessary as vessels encounters difficulty in maneuvering/ berthing in low tides. The Union Minister along with Officials and public representatives visited the entire length of jetty and heard the grievances of the local people.
Later, the Minster visited Swaraj Dweep where he laid the foundations stone for the State of the art 1000 pax-capacity passenger terminal building and separate Approach Way to the Jetty for Cargo Movement at Swaraj Dweep which is the most popular tourist destination in A&N Islands.
The Shipping Ministry is committed towards providing better tourist infrastructure facilities in the Isles, to attract more tourists to these picturesque Islands. To achieve this goal, a new Sea Port Passenger Terminal, first of its kind, has been planned at Swaraj Dweep Islands, for the tourists visiting A&N Islands. This project is going to materialise soon with the foundation stone laying ceremony held by the visiting Union Minister today.
The Swaraj Dweep jetty is currently used for transporting passengers, goods, general cargo, construction materials etc. The new passenger terminal can accommodate 1000 passenger and will have state of art facilities such as arrival and departure waiting hall, ticketing counter, shop/locker/canteen facilities, food hall, toilet facilities, lift facility, sewage treatment plant, security equipments etc.
Due to more tourist foot prints in Swaraj Dweep, more cargo requirement is also experienced & the Existing Entry to the jetty will be fully served for the Tourist inflow & Outflow. Thus, it was planned to provide a separate approach to the jetty for the exclusive use of Cargo Movement. The 162 m length of additional approach will carry the cargo movement from the Jetty without disturbing tourist movements. The work will commence in May, 2021. The project is being undertaken under Sagarmala Scheme of Ministry of Shipping at an estimated cost of Rs.13.47 crores, for which environment clearance has also been received.
During his visit to Swaraj Dweep, the Minister also visited Elephanta Beach and also interacted with local communities at Swaraj Dweep.
On March 29, the Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the extended Hope Town Wharf at 0830 hrs at Hope Town. Thereafter, the Minister will arrive at Phoenix Bay Jetty to inaugurate Passenger Ferry AASHI1 Sonar Group and Sea Link Adventures and also inspect the construction of Marine Dry Dock.