Sri Vijaya Puram: In his address on the 79th Independence Day, Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ Lieutenant Governor, Admiral D K Joshi, outlined an ambitious vision to transform the archipelago into a major tourism, logistics, and renewable energy hub, backed by large-scale infrastructure and policy reforms.
Admiral Joshi announced that bids have been invited for five-star luxury resorts at Aves Island, Shaheed Dweep, Long Island, and Smith Island under a PPP model, with strict adherence to global eco-sustainability standards such as GRIHA, LEED, and Green Globe. A pre-bid meeting with potential investors was held on August 14, and an investor meet will follow soon. Plans also include seaplane services between Sri Vijaya Puram, Rajiv Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Long Island, Hut Bay, and Mayabunder, with water aerodromes scheduled for completion by September.
Connectivity will receive a major boost with new civil terminals at Shibpur and Car Nicobar, an upcoming terminal at Campbell Bay, and operational agreements with the Airports Authority of India. Helicopter services linking 11 key tourist destinations and a dedicated yacht marina are also in the pipeline. The LG added that Sri Vijaya Puram will offer complete waiver of user development fees for international flights in the first year, alongside tax breaks on aviation fuel.
“My administration is fully committed to the modern development of the islands so that Andaman and Nicobar can fulfil its role in building a developed India,” Admiral Joshi said, concluding his address with thanks to the armed forces, officials, public representatives, and citizens for their support.
The islands have seen over ₹1.5 lakh crore invested in Island Development Agency projects in the last six to seven years, with 15 of 54 projects already completed. A landmark decision will open 3.81 lakh sq km of “No-Go Zones” for offshore oil exploration, with early signs of hydrocarbon potential in the Andaman Basin.
The mega Greater Nicobar Island (GNI) project – including a greenfield airport, international container transshipment terminal, power plant, and township – will see ₹92,000 crore invested, mostly via PPP. Updated master plans and DPRs for its components are in advanced stages, with work on the power plant expected to finish by December 2027.
On the economic front, the administration has secured GI tags for seven local products, including “Tribes Nicobar Virgin Coconut Oil,” and is pursuing registration for 18 more traditional products. Measures to ease doing business include GIS-based portals for industrial estates, self-certification systems, extended license validity, and streamlined land registration.
In agriculture and fisheries, the LG noted the islands’ highest farmer participation rate in the country, the distribution of ₹56.92 crore under PM-Kisan so far, and infrastructure upgrades like modern fishing harbours and wholesale fish markets. In shipping, proposals for a deep-water port at Atlanta Bay, ship-to-ship transhipment facilities, and ship repair hubs are progressing, with multiple projects under the Sagarmala scheme.
The LG praised the police force for winning five national medals, highlighted sports achievements including medals at Khelo India events, and expressed confidence that the islands will play a key role in realising the Prime Minister’s vision of a developed India.
