Andaman LG Meets Shah, Flagging Mega Infrastructure Projects
Briefs on the CANI project, renewable power, PPP resorts, and Rs 1.5 lakh crore investments.
Retired Admiral DK Joshi, Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Vice Chairman of the Islands Development Agency (IDA), met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss the progress of major infrastructure, tourism, and other transformative projects in the Union Territory. Joshi outlined an ambitious roadmap aimed at positioning the archipelago as a key economic hub in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting initiatives nearing completion and their potential to boost growth. The discussion focused on overcoming challenges and leveraging investments to enhance connectivity and sustainability.
Key projects include the development of five-star luxury resorts on Aves Island, Shaheed Dweep, Long Island, and Smith Island through public-private partnerships (PPP), while adhering to strict environmental standards. Joshi reported record tourist arrivals, with domestic visitors up by 41% and foreign arrivals by 27% over the past year, underscoring the region's growing appeal. He also updated Shah on investments totaling over Rs 1.5 lakh crore in IDA projects, with 15 out of 54 initiatives completed, such as the CANI submarine optical fiber cable project and the Azad Hind Fauj Setu Bridge, demonstrating significant strides in infrastructure enhancement.
The meeting covered additional goals, including decisions from the seventh IDA meeting to achieve 100% renewable power generation by 2029 and full coverage under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana by 2027. Joshi highlighted the Rs 92,000-crore Great Nicobar Island project, which encompasses a greenfield airport, an international container transshipment terminal, a power plant, and a township, with detailed project reports prepared and site works underway. Furthermore, approvals for offshore oil exploration in 3.81 lakh sq km of previously restricted waters have identified promising hydrocarbon prospects.
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This engagement reflects the central government's support for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' development, amid efforts to address regional challenges like connectivity and economic diversification. As the UT advances these projects, they could significantly contribute to India's broader Indo-Pacific strategy, fostering job creation and sustainable growth in a strategically vital area.
