Sri Vijaya Puram, November 7: Proposals worth ₹2,550 crore to reconstruct 13 dilapidated jetties and replace four ageing passenger-cum-cargo vessels in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are awaiting approval from the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, raising concerns over the future of inter-island connectivity and maritime safety.
The proposals include ₹750 crore for rebuilding jetties across the archipelago and ₹1,800 crore for acquiring four new vessels to replace ships scheduled for decommissioning between 2027 and 2029.
Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray raised the pending proposals at a meeting of the Ministry’s Consultative Committee, chaired by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in Puri, Odisha, on November 3. He sought expedited approvals and the release of funds, citing the deteriorating condition of maritime infrastructure and the need to maintain uninterrupted passenger and cargo services.
Jetties in disrepair
Surveys conducted by the Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW) have identified 13 jetties requiring reconstruction. The agency has submitted Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and proposals to the Ministry, estimating the total expenditure at approximately ₹750 crore.
The jetties identified for reconstruction are located at Long Island, Swaraj Dweep, Yeretta, Diglipur, East Island, Champin, Rangat, Chatham Wharf, Panighat, Mayabunder Wharf, NSCB, Chain Nallah and Aberdeen.
Ray told the committee that several existing structures were in a dilapidated and potentially dangerous condition, posing risks to passengers and causing inconvenience to island residents.
The condition of these facilities is particularly significant for remote islands, where jetties serve as critical transport links for residents and enable the movement of essential commodities, construction materials and other goods.
Ray also submitted photographs of the deteriorating structures to the committee and urged the Ministry to prioritise their reconstruction.
Ageing fleet
The MP also sought approval for the Andaman and Nicobar Administration’s proposal to acquire four passenger-cum-cargo vessels at an estimated cost of ₹450 crore each.
Each proposed vessel would have a capacity to carry 500 passengers and 150 metric tonnes of cargo.
The new ships are intended to replace MV Bharat Sheema, MV Sentinel, MV Chowra and MV Dering, which are scheduled for decommissioning between 2027 and 2029.
Ray urged the Ministry to expedite the proposal and consider acquiring vessels based on the proposed MV Nalanda model.
The impending retirement of the four vessels underscores the need for timely fleet replacement to maintain inter-island passenger services and the transportation of essential supplies.
Any delay in acquiring replacement ships could put additional pressure on the existing fleet, particularly on routes serving remote islands that depend heavily on government-operated shipping services.
Ray also raised a separate proposal for constructing a shipyard on ATI land at Bambooflat.
He urged the Ministry to take timely decisions on both the jetty reconstruction and vessel acquisition proposals, stressing that investment in maritime infrastructure was essential for ensuring safe, reliable and uninterrupted connectivity across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Ministry’s decisions on the two proposals remain awaited.
