Vikas Kumar
Sri Vijaya Puram, 09 June 2025
Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, has welcomed the proactive measures taken by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) for the rehabilitation and restoration of port infrastructure across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The move follows a letter sent by the MP on 20th December 2024, wherein he highlighted the pressing need to address the deteriorating condition of jetties and wharves vital to inter-island connectivity. In a recent communication dated 23rd May 2025, Union Minister Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that a high-level meeting was held with senior officials of the A&N Administration to assess the situation. Following the discussions, the Ministry directed the Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW) to undertake structural assessments and suggest necessary remedial measures.
An Annexure accompanying the Minister’s letter identified fifteen key jetties and wharves in urgent need of attention. These include Haddo Wharf Berths I–IV, Chatham Wharf, Hope Town Wharf (Old), Viper Jetty, Bamboo Flat Jetty, Netaji Subash Chandra Bose (NSCB) Jetty, Vehicle Ferry Jetty at Chatham, Dundus Point Jetty, Shaheed Dweep (Old) Jetty, Phoenix Bay Jetty, Yeratta Jetty, Mayabunder Wharf, East Island Jetty, Rangat Bay Jetty, and Kamorta Jetty.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray expressed appreciation for the swift action taken by the Central Government and emphasized that the identified port infrastructure is integral to the socio-economic fabric of the islands. He noted that these facilities are essential for the movement of goods, transportation of essential commodities, and enhancing tourism and connectivity across remote regions.
The MP also stressed the importance of implementing the remedial measures in a time-bound manner to ensure uninterrupted services and long-term resilience of the maritime infrastructure in the islands.