The Union Government has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Shipping to declare Andaman and Nicobar port as a major port and establish the Andaman and Nicobar Port Trust (ANPT) with its headquarters at Port Blair. The Union Government has also approved the proposal to separate the port management board, and transfer its establishment to the proposed ANPT; and to bifurcate the Andaman and Lakshadweep Harbour Works and transfer a part of its establishment to the ANPT and to take consequential actions with reference to the above declaration. The establishment of the major port trust at Andaman and Nicobar Islands is expected to give attention to the development of the backward areas of the Island group by increasing commercial activities, encouraging tourism, attracting foreign direct investment, supporting the tsunami rehabilitation programme and undertaking various developmental and welfare activities permitted under the provisions of the Major Port Trust Act, 1963. It will also supplement the capacity requirement of the major port trusts in the country.