Sri Vijaya Puram, June 8: Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, expresses his gratitude to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) for taking swift and positive action in response to his letter dated 20th December 2024, which highlighted the urgent need for rehabilitation and restoration of deteriorating port infrastructure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
In a letter dated 23rd May 2025, Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal has confirmed that a meeting was convened with senior officials of the A&N Administration to discuss the condition of various jetties and wharves. Subsequently, the Ministry has tasked the Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW) with undertaking structural assessments and proposing remedial measures.
As per the annexure enclosed with the communication, fifteen (15) dangerous jetties and wharves across the territory have been identified for urgent attention. These include (1) Haddo Wharf Berth Nos. I–IV (2) Chatham Wharf (3) Hope Town Wharf (Old) (4) Viper Jetty, (5) Bamboo Flat Jetty (6) Netaji Subash Chandra Bose (NSCB) Jetty (7) Vehicle Ferry Jetty at Chatham (8) Dundus Point Jetty (9) Shaheed Dweep (Old) Jetty (10) Phoenix Bay Jetty (11) Yeratta Jetty (12) Mayabunder Wharf (13) East Island Jetty (14) Rangat Bay Jetty (15) Kamorta Jetty.
Shri Bishnu Pada Ray has stated that this proactive response by the Central Government reaffirms its commitment to the people of the Islands. The identified infrastructure plays a crucial role in inter-island connectivity, transportation of essential commodities, and the overall development of remote island communities. He further added that timely repair and restoration of these port assets will significantly boost the local economy, tourism, and logistics, improving the quality of life of islanders.
The Member of Parliament has also urged for time-bound execution of the proposed remedial plans.