The collaborative efforts between the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have marked a pivotal step in advancing Defence Technology and promoting national development. The Minister’s visit to the proposed International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP) site at Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar Island, showcased a significant commitment towards technological innovation and infrastructural progress.
This crucial MoU signed between the Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), and CSIR underscores a major breakthrough in advancing Defence Technology. This pact aims to foster technical collaboration and joint research and development efforts. The ICTP project, with an estimated cost of approximately ₹44,000 Crores, has gained traction as a transformative initiative aligned with the Maritime India vision 2030 and the Amrit kaal Vision 2047.
Notably, the project has secured significant approvals, including environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and stage 1 forest clearance. Furthermore, the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, has provided “In-Principle” approval for the holistic development of Great Nicobar Island, accelerating the project’s finalization of the Detailed Project Report (DPR). The upcoming phase involves inviting tenders for the first phase of construction, setting the stage for the project’s initiation in the early part of the next year.
The Mega Container Terminal development within the holistic Great Nicobar Island development focuses on three pivotal aspects: strategic location, natural water depth, and transshipment cargo capacity from nearby Indian Ports. The project aims to leverage its advantageous location, situated just 40 nautical miles from international shipping trade routes. It boasts a natural water depth exceeding 20 meters and possesses the potential to handle transshipment cargo from various Indian Ports.
Shri Sonowal emphasized the project’s significance, highlighting its role in fortifying India’s self-reliance and economic growth. He underscored the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways’ commitment to realizing the visionary goals set by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The MoPSW’s flagship program, Sagarmala, geared towards enhancing port capacity and efficiency, has witnessed substantial achievements in port modernization and public-private partnerships, totaling projects worth Rs. 31,129 Crores and Rs. 23,000 Crores, respectively, in the last nine years.
The strategic vision encapsulated in the Maritime India Vision 2030 emphasizes developing world-class Mega Ports and transshipment hubs, with identified locations like Vadhavan-JNPT Cluster, Paradip Port, and Deendayal Port. Additionally, infrastructure initiatives under the Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 focus on port clusters’ development, including two new major ports: Vadhavan and Galathea Bay port. Vadhavan, with its natural draft and proximity to larger ships, aims to accommodate cargo container vessels with high capacities.
Galathea Bay Port’s strategic location along the East-West world-shipping corridor positions it ideally to attract both gateway and transshipped cargo. The expansion plans foresee the draft augmentation of multiple ports to align with global standards, ensuring that India’s transshipment cargo, predominantly handled outside the country, sees a notable shift towards Indian ports.
The development of the proposed facility is segmented into four phases, with Phase 1 slated for commissioning in 2028, accommodating approximately 4 Million TEUs, eventually scaling up to 16 Million TEUs by 2058. The estimated cost for Phase 1 stands at INR 19,000+ Crores, encompassing comprehensive infrastructure development supported by the government.
Shri Sonowal’s visit to Indira Point, the southernmost tip of India’s territory, reflects a broader vision to explore tourism potential in the region. The directive to explore possibilities for developing tourism amenities indicates the government’s aim to bolster tourism prospects in Great Nicobar Island.
Additionally, Shri Sonowal reviewed the progress of the Campbell Bay Port project, essential for enhancing passenger and cargo movement between Great Nicobar and other islands. The extension of the jetty, facilitating larger vessel berthing and doubling port capacity, underscores a forward-looking approach aligning with the anticipated growth and development of Great Nicobar Island.