Andaman MP seeks ₹2,550 crore for jetty reconstruction and four replacement ships

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray has sought central approval for approximately ₹2,550 crore in jetty reconstruction and replacement passenger-cargo vessels, alongside a shipyard proposal at Bambooflat. He raised the requests at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways’ Consultative Committee meeting in Puri, Odisha, on 3 November 2026.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal chaired the meeting, which examined coastal and cruise shipping. Minister of State Shantanu Thakur and eight Members of Parliament participated. The ministry’s account confirms that MPs presented suggestions on maritime infrastructure, but does not announce financial approval for the island proposals.

Which jetties require reconstruction?

Ray sought ₹750 crore for 13 facilities, citing surveys by Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW) and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) already submitted to the ministry.

The locations are Long Island, Swaraj Dweep, Yeretta, Diglipur, East Island, Champin, Rangat, Panighat, Chain Nallah and Aberdeen jetties, Chatham and Mayabunder wharves, and NSCB Jetty.

He described their condition as unsafe and sought expedited approvals, presenting photographs to support the request.

What vessels are proposed for replacement?

The administration’s pending ₹1,800-crore proposal covers four passenger-cargo ships, each costing an estimated ₹450 crore and carrying 500 passengers and 150 tonnes of cargo.

They would replace Bharat Sheema, Sentinel, Chowra and Dering, which Ray said are scheduled for decommissioning during 2027–29. He requested vessels based on the Nalanda model.

Ray also raised construction of a shipyard on ATI land at Bambooflat. The account provides no project cost or implementation schedule for that proposal.

Why is Nalanda the reference for the new ships?

Nalanda provides an existing example of the passenger-cargo configuration sought for the replacement fleet. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited for the island administration, the vessel was formally inducted into service at Haddo Wharf on 27 October 2022.

It accommodates 500 passengers and 150 tonnes of cargo, matching the capacities outlined in the latest proposal. Its sister ship, Sindhu, had entered service the previous year.

At Nalanda’s induction, the administration said the vessel would strengthen services on inter-island and mainland routes. Cochin Shipyard also outlined its engagement with the administration on shipbuilding and improvements to the islands’ ship-repair facilities.

The reference to an existing vessel model gives the replacement request an operational precedent. It does not, however, establish a construction award or identify a selected builder for the four proposed ships.

How do the requests fit into coastal shipping policy?

The Puri meeting placed the island infrastructure requests within a broader discussion on expanding maritime transport.

Sonowal said the government aims to raise coastal and inland waterway shipping’s share of freight movement from 6% to 12% by 2047. The proposed Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme would offer incentives to cargo owners, coastal vessel operators and multimodal transport operators.

Those national initiatives provide policy context, but are separate from the specific approvals and funding sought for the Andaman and Nicobar projects.

For the islands, the proposals address three connected requirements: usable landing infrastructure, replacement vessels and local shipyard capacity. The stated retirement window makes the sequencing of approvals and vessel construction particularly relevant to continuity of services.

The next substantive developments would be financial sanctions, procurement decisions and confirmed construction schedules. Until those are announced, the jetty, fleet and shipyard proposals remain requests for government action.