Sri Vijaya Puram, November 10: Andaman and Nicobar Islands could see international flight connectivity and a major port development initiative as part of a broader push to expand tourism and economic activity, Lieutenant Governor Dr Dinesh Sharma said on November 10. He also outlined plans to develop Nicobar Port along the lines of the Strait of Hormuz, describing the islands as a potential centre of India’s economic growth.
Speaking in Lucknow, Sharma said the archipelago’s geographical position, natural resources and tourism potential could support a larger economic role for the country. He said the proposed port would form the centre of an economic cycle around the island, although he did not specify a project timeline or investment details in the statement.
Of the 836 islands in the archipelago, only 31 are inhabited, Sharma said, pointing to the tourism possibilities across the remaining islands. He said international flights could be introduced in the future to improve access for overseas visitors.
As part of efforts to expand international tourism, representatives from 10 Asian countries have been invited to the islands in December for discussions. Sharma also referred to an increase in flight numbers, without providing details of the routes or additional services.
The tourism strategy also includes positioning the islands as a destination for weddings and expanding cultural activities. The administration is working on an action plan to attract foreign tourists, while permissions for water sports and day-tourism activities have been digitised. Birdwatching and caravan tourism are also being encouraged.
Sharma said infrastructure development would accompany the tourism push, including the development of new airports and greater use of solar energy to make tourism infrastructure greener by 2047. He also referred to efforts to promote fisheries, strengthen healthcare services and generate employment opportunities.
The Lieutenant Governor said development plans would also need to account for the protection of tribal communities and the maintenance of climate balance. He described the islands as a reflection of India’s social and cultural diversity, with residents from different states, religions and communities contributing to the region.
Recalling the islands’ history as a penal settlement under British rule, Sharma said the colonial administration had used their geographical isolation to separate Indian revolutionaries from the freedom movement. Cellular Jail housed political prisoners who faced severe torture, including solitary confinement and flogging. He cited the imprisonment of Veer Savarkar and his brother in the same jail, where they could not meet each other.
He also recalled Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s unfurling of the Indian Tricolour in the islands, contrasting their colonial-era identity as ‘Kala Pani’ with what he described as their emerging national significance, calling them ‘Amrit Pani’.
The remarks were made during an event at the University of Lucknow. Vice-Chancellor J.P. Saini, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce Archana Singh, Head of the Department of Commerce Audhesh Kumar, former department head Ram Milan, Professor Rajiv Maheshwari, Anoop Singh and Vimal Jaiswal attended the programme, according to a Lok Niwas press release.
