Centre notifies Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ Galathea Bay as a major port
- In Reports
- 09:00 PM, Sep 06, 2024
- Myind Staff
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the central government has officially designated Galathea Bay in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a "major port" for international transshipment. The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways will oversee the proposed ₹44,000 crore mega project, which will be developed using a public-private partnership model and is eligible for central funding.
Currently, India operates 12 major ports under central control, while states manage 200 minor ports. Of these minor ports, approximately 65 handle cargo, while the rest serve as passenger terminals for small ferries and fishing boats. Once operational, the Galathea Bay project is expected to capture a significant portion of transshipped goods that are currently handled at ports outside India.
The Galathea Bay facility is planned to be developed in four phases. The first phase, slated to become operational in 2028, will handle approximately four million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The second phase, anticipated to be completed by 2058, will significantly expand the facility’s capacity to 16 million TEUs.
In addition to the Galathea Bay project, the Indian government has approved the development of three major port projects: the Vadhavan-Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) Cluster, Paradip Port, and Deendayal Port. These ports will undergo significant upgrades to become megaports, each with an annual handling capacity exceeding 300 million tonnes (MTPA).
As part of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the plan includes creating four port clusters, each with a capacity greater than 300 MTPA, and two additional clusters with capacities exceeding 500 MTPA. This vision aims to enhance India's maritime infrastructure, increase cargo handling capabilities, and strengthen the country’s position in global shipping and trade.
Image source: The Hindu
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