Vikas Kumar
Sri Vijaya Puram, 09 June 2025
Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, has welcomed the proactive measures taken by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) for the rehabilitation and restoration of port infrastructure throughout the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The transfer follows a letter despatched by the MP on twentieth December 2024, whereby he highlighted the urgent want to handle the deteriorating situation of jetties and wharves very important to inter-island connectivity. In a latest communication dated twenty third May 2025, Union Minister Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed {that a} high-level assembly was held with senior officers of the A&N Administration to evaluate the scenario. Following the discussions, the Ministry directed the Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW) to undertake structural assessments and recommend needed remedial measures.
An Annexure accompanying the Minister’s letter recognized fifteen key jetties and wharves in pressing want of consideration. These embody Haddo Wharf Berths I–IV, Chatham Wharf, Hope Town Wharf (Old), Viper Jetty, Bamboo Flat Jetty, Netaji Subash Chandra Bose (NSCB) Jetty, Vehicle Ferry Jetty at Chatham, Dundus Point Jetty, Shaheed Dweep (Old) Jetty, Phoenix Bay Jetty, Yeratta Jetty, Mayabunder Wharf, East Island Jetty, Rangat Bay Jetty, and Kamorta Jetty.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray expressed appreciation for the swift motion taken by the Central Government and emphasised that the recognized port infrastructure is integral to the socio-economic material of the islands. He famous that these services are important for the motion of products, transportation of important commodities, and enhancing tourism and connectivity throughout distant areas.
The MP additionally burdened the significance of implementing the remedial measures in a time-bound method to make sure uninterrupted companies and long-term resilience of the maritime infrastructure within the islands.
