SRI VIJAYA PURAM | NOVEMBER 8, 2026 | DWEEP TULIKA
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray has raised three major pending maritime infrastructure proposals before the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. These include reconstruction of 13 jetties at an estimated cost of ₹750 crore, replacement of four passenger-cum-cargo vessels at an estimated cost of ₹1,800 crore, and establishment of a proposed shipyard at ATI land in Bambooflat.
The issues were raised during the Ministry's Consultative Committee Meeting held at Puri, Odisha, on November 3, 2026, under the chairmanship of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
The two costed proposals together involve an estimated ₹2,550 crore. The proposed shipyard at Bambooflat represents an additional infrastructure proposal, although its estimated cost has not been specified in the communication issued by the MP's office.
13 Jetties Proposed for Reconstruction at ₹750 Crore
One of the major issues raised by the MP was the reported deteriorating condition of 13 jetties across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
According to the communication from the MP's office, the proposed reconstruction is based on detailed surveys conducted by the Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW). Proposals and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have reportedly already been submitted to the Ministry for consideration.
The estimated cost of the reconstruction works is approximately ₹750 crore.
The 13 locations identified for reconstruction are:
Long Island Jetty
Swaraj Dweep Jetty
Yeretta Jetty
Diglipur Jetty
East Island Jetty
Champin Jetty
Rangat Jetty
Chatham Wharf
Panighat Jetty
Mayabunder Wharf
NSCB Jetty
Chain Nallah Jetty
Aberdeen Jetty
The MP highlighted that these facilities are reportedly in a highly dilapidated and dangerous condition, creating safety concerns and inconvenience for island residents.
For an archipelago where sea transport remains essential for passenger movement and the transportation of goods and essential commodities, the condition of jetties directly affects everyday connectivity, particularly in remote and far-flung islands.
The MP reportedly submitted photographs showing the existing condition of the identified facilities and urged the Ministry to expedite the necessary approvals and release of funds.
Four Replacement Ships Proposed at ₹1,800 Crore
The second issue concerned the proposed replacement of four existing passenger-cum-cargo vessels operated for island shipping services.
The MP pursued the Andaman and Nicobar Administration's pending proposal for the construction and acquisition of four new vessels, each with a proposed capacity of 500 passengers and 150 metric tonnes of cargo.
The estimated cost is ₹450 crore per vessel, taking the total proposed expenditure to ₹1,800 crore.
The vessels proposed for replacement are:
MV Bharat Seema
MV Sentinel
MV Chowra
MV Dering
According to the MP's communication, these vessels are scheduled for decommissioning during the period 2027–2029.
The MP requested the Ministry to expedite approval and financial sanction so that replacement vessels could be arranged in time. The proposed ships are envisaged on the model of MV Nalanda, which has a capacity of 500 passengers and 150 tonnes of cargo.
The proposal is significant for inter-island connectivity, as adequate passenger and cargo capacity is essential for maintaining regular shipping services between inhabited islands and other destinations.
Any delay in replacing ageing vessels could place additional pressure on the existing fleet and shipping schedules. Advance planning and timely procurement decisions would therefore be important to avoid a gap in transportation capacity as the older vessels approach their proposed retirement period.
Shipyard Proposed at ATI Land, Bambooflat
The third issue raised by the MP was the establishment of a shipyard at ATI land in Bambooflat.
The proposal seeks to strengthen the Islands' maritime infrastructure and support their long-term shipping requirements.
Depending on its eventual design, technical capacity and approved scope, a shipyard could potentially provide facilities for shipbuilding, maintenance and repair. For a territory heavily dependent on maritime transportation, local shipyard infrastructure could also help reduce dependence on facilities outside the Islands for certain vessel-related requirements.
However, the MP's communication does not specify the proposed shipyard's project cost, implementation timeline, technical specifications or present approval status.
What Has Been Announced and What Is Still Awaited?
The meeting provided an opportunity for the MP to place these pending proposals before the Ministry. However, raising an issue during a Consultative Committee Meeting should not be interpreted as approval or financial sanction.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways' official press release dated November 3, 2026, confirms that the meeting was held in Puri under the chairmanship of Sarbananda Sonowal. It also records that participating MPs presented suggestions concerning maritime infrastructure and shipping development.
However, the Ministry's published account does not announce specific financial approval for the three Andaman-related proposals.
The following key decisions therefore remain to be established through official announcements:
Whether ₹750 crore will be sanctioned for reconstruction of the 13 identified jetties.
Whether ₹1,800 crore will be approved for the four replacement vessels and when the procurement process will begin.
Whether the shipyard proposal at ATI land, Bambooflat, will receive approval, along with a defined project cost and implementation schedule.
The Larger Question: When Will the Proposals Translate into Ground-Level Work?
The three issues concern different but interconnected parts of the Islands' maritime transportation system.
Jetties provide the infrastructure needed for vessels to berth and for passengers and cargo to move safely. Ships provide the transportation capacity connecting the Islands. A shipyard, if approved and developed, could support maintenance and other maritime requirements.
While the proposals have now been raised before the Union Shipping Ministry, the immediate concern for residents is when concrete decisions and implementation will follow.
With the proposed retirement of four vessels falling between 2027 and 2029, and several jetties reportedly requiring urgent reconstruction, the coming period will be important for the future of inter-island connectivity.
For the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the central question is no longer limited to the submission of proposals. It is whether the required financial sanctions, administrative approvals and implementation schedules will follow in time.
Dweep Tulika will continue to follow the status of these proposals and the decisions taken by the concerned authorities.