The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration has drawn notable interest from prominent hospitality developers and investors for its upcoming high-end eco-tourism projects. Implemented under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, these initiatives aim to build sustainable tourism infrastructure while ensuring the conservation of the Islands’ fragile ecosystem.
A total of five projects have been identified under this plan, at Shaheed Dweep, Long Island, Smith Island, Aves Island, and the redevelopment of the Megapode Resort in Sri Vijaya Puram. These developments are aligned with the Government of India’s Holistic Development of Islands (HDI) framework, which seeks to position the Islands as a major global destination for eco-friendly and nature-based tourism.
The projects are designed to comply with international sustainability standards, including LEED, GRIHA, and Green Globe certifications. They also adhere to Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and environmental norms to ensure that development remains low-impact and environmentally responsible. Each project is intended to be self-sustaining, integrating with the natural surroundings and powered largely through renewable energy sources such as solar installations, minimizing the carbon footprint.
Following approvals from the Standing Finance Committee and the PPP Appraisal Committee, the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the projects was issued on 28 July 2025. To facilitate stakeholder engagement, the Administration organized a pre-bid meeting on 14 August 2025, which witnessed the participation of over 100 representatives from around 60 potential investors.
The meeting reflected strong interest from both national and international investors in developing the Islands’ tourism sector through sustainable practices. By the bid submission deadline of 6 October 2025, the Administration received five bids for the Shaheed Dweep project, four bids for the Megapode Resort redevelopment, two for Aves Island, and one for Long Island.
These bids are currently under technical evaluation. Once the technical and financial evaluations are completed, the projects will be awarded to the highest bidders. According to the timeline shared by the Administration, the redevelopment of Megapode Resort is expected to be completed within three years, while the island projects are likely to be completed within four years.
The Administration stated that the projects would unlock significant economic value, enhance high-end tourism, and generate employment opportunities for local residents. It emphasized that these initiatives would play a vital role in the sustainable development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by combining tourism growth with environmental preservation.
The eco-tourism model proposed under the PPP framework is expected to create a balance between conservation and economic advancement, ensuring that tourism development in the Islands proceeds responsibly while benefiting local communities and preserving the natural ecosystem.
