Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 11 June 2025
In a bid to highlight the achievements of the NDA Government over the past 11 years, the Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mr. Shantanu Thakur, addressed a press conference on 10th June 2025 at Hotel Sea Shell, Sri Vijaya Puram. The event was part of the nationwide outreach programme under the theme “Viksit Bharat Ka Amrit Kaal: Seva, Sushasan aur Garib Kalyan ke 11 Saal.”
Mr. Ajoy Bairagi, President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, opened the conference by detailing several initiatives and schemes implemented by the Central Government that have directly benefited the people of the Islands.
Minister Thakur, in his keynote address, presented a comprehensive overview of the government’s developmental journey and policy reforms to improve the life of common citizens. He highlighted key milestones, including the construction of 1.5 lakh kilometres of new roads and the modernisation of over 70 airports across the country. Emphasising India’s rising maritime capabilities, he noted that nearly 70% of the nation’s trade now passes through Indian ports.
He highlighted the ₹76,000 crore investment for the proposed transshipment port at Great Nicobar, alongside a parallel ₹76,000 crore port development near Mumbai. He underscored the government’s vision of elevating India into the global top five in terms of port infrastructure.
Mr. Thakur highlighted the government’s swift and successful execution of “Operation Sindoor” and strongly condemned global acts of terrorism. He reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to the ancient doctrine of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the belief that the world is one family. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “once-in-a-generation leader” under whose leadership, he said, India is poised for continued global prominence.
In an interaction with local journalists, Mr. Thakur responded to several pressing questions about the maritime and port sector, which plays a crucial role in the everyday life of Islanders.
Responding to a question from Nicobar Times regarding the timeline for on-ground construction of the transshipment port component of the Great Nicobar Project, the Minister stated that the project is expansive and includes not only a deep-draft port but also a greenfield airport, power plant, and a new city. He informed that groundwork is expected to begin in 1–2 years, while the full project will unfold over 15–20 years. He acknowledged the aspirations of the local population and assured that the government is committed to fulfilling them, albeit with the time necessary for such a massive development.
When asked about future port and shipping infrastructure for the Islands, Mr. Thakur shared that he had recently surveyed Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, and Great Nicobar personally. He stressed the importance of establishing functional jetties in all inhabited areas and revealed that the ministry is working on developing location-specific jetty models to improve inter-island connectivity and transport efficiency.
Addressing questions about the proposed passenger ships MV Atal and MV Ashoka, the Minister explained that earlier declines in airfare had rendered passenger ships less essential. However, the recent surge in airfares has renewed the need for sea-based passenger transport. He assured that necessary steps will be taken.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, State Vice President of BJP, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Earlier, Mr. M. Vinod, the State Vice President of BJP, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the In-Charge of the Media Cell, welcomed the scribes.