Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 01 January 2025
The Hon’ble Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mr. Shantanu Thakur, visited the Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW) office on 30th December 2024, to review its functioning and contribution to the development of port infrastructure in the Islands. During the visit, the Minister planted a sapling on the ALHW premises as a symbolic gesture of remembrance.
The ALHW team showcased their efforts and progress through a detailed PowerPoint presentation, highlighting ongoing projects. Acknowledging their contributions, the Minister urged the organisation to ensure timely completion of projects, emphasising the importance of making these facilities operational for public benefit.
Key directives from the Minister included focusing on the development of landing facilities in Virgin Islands for development, implementing major projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, establishing a ship repair hub, constructing floating jetties at tourism hotspots, and retrofitting older jetties to enhance functionality and safety.
The Minister also underscored the need for robust supporting infrastructure at existing harbours in Campbell Bay, which is crucial for the timely completion of the Galathea Bay International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) project.
This visit highlights the government’s commitment to improving maritime infrastructure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, fostering economic growth and development in the region.