Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 06 October 2023
In a significant boost to connectivity in the picturesque Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Government of India, is rapidly advancing the implementation of two key segments under the Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik). These initiatives aim to enhance inter-island air connectivity in the region.
Under the first segment, which focuses on the operation of small fixed-wing aircraft, MoCA has identified three under-served defence airports in the islands to facilitate this expansion. The selected routes for small, fixed-wing aircraft operation are Port Blair-Shibpur (Diglipur), Port Blair-Car Nicobar, and Car Nicobar-Campbell Bay.
Significant progress has been made in this endeavour, with the Passenger Terminal at Shibpur Airbase already completed and handed over to the Airport Authority of India (AAI). Furthermore, an operation and management agreement between the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and AAI has been successfully signed for the operationalisation of Shibpur Airport by AAI.
Construction of Passenger Terminals at Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay is currently underway. The Passenger Terminal at Car Nicobar is expected to be ready for use by October 2023, while the Passenger Terminal at Campbell Bay Airstrip is projected to be completed by March 2024. These developments are poised to pave the way for the operation of small, fixed-wing aircraft in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, substantially enhancing air connectivity within the region.
The second segment of the UDAN initiative focuses on the development of Water Aerodromes to facilitate seaplane operations, with an estimated cost of Rs. 58 Crores. This ambitious project is being implemented at Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, and Long Island.
Under this segment, three routes have been identified for seaplane operation: Port Blair-Swaraj Dweep, Port Blair-Shaheed Dweep, and Port Blair-Long Island. The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has already granted the requisite environmental clearance for these locations.
The land-side development of the seaplane facilities is being executed by the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD). The work is progressing rapidly, with design finalisation and cost estimates completed. Construction work is set to commence shortly. Simultaneously, the sea-side development work is being undertaken by the Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW), which has completed the tendering process and is soon to award the construction contracts.
These developments represent a significant step forward in the government’s efforts to improve connectivity and accessibility in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, ultimately boosting tourism, trade, and economic growth in the region. The UDAN initiative continues to gain momentum, promising a brighter and more connected future for these idyllic islands in the Bay of Bengal.