Lakshadweep Islands: Rs 3,600 Crore Infrastructure Upgrade

Lakshadweep Islands: Rs 3,600 Crore Infrastructure Upgrade

Lakshadweep Islands: Rs 3,600 Crore Infrastructure Upgrade

India has announced a Rs 3,600-crore infrastructure upgrade for the Lakshadweep islands with the aim of boosting tourism and generating employment. The comprehensive plan includes:

  1. Port facilities at Androth, Kalpeni, and Kadamat islands.
  2. Construction of roads on Kadamat Island, Agatti Island, and Kavaratti Island.

These development projects will be funded through the Sagarmala scheme for port development. A total of 13 projects have been identified for the 36 Lakshadweep islands, which cover an area of 32 square kilometers and are located 220-440 kilometers off the Kerala coast in the Arabian Sea¹².

Sagarmala Programme

The Sagarmala Programme is an initiative by the Government of India to enhance the performance of the country’s logistics sector. Its primary objectives are to unlock the potential of waterways and the coastline while minimizing the infrastructural investments needed to achieve these goals²³.

Here are the key points about the Sagarmala scheme:

  1. Vision and Mission:

    • The program aims to promote port-led development in India.
    • It harnesses India’s 7,500 km long coastline and 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways.
    • The strategic location of India on key international maritime trade routes is also leveraged.

  2. Components:

    • Port Modernization & New Port Development: Upgrading existing ports and establishing new ones.
    • Port Connectivity Enhancement: Improving connectivity between ports and their hinterlands.
    • Port-led Industrialization: Encouraging industrial growth near ports.
    • Coastal Community Development: Focusing on the welfare of coastal communities.
    • Project Funding Guidelines: Ensuring efficient utilization of funds.

  3. Implementation:

    • The program is managed by the Ministry of Shipping.
    • It aims to reduce logistics costs for EXIM (export-import) and domestic trade.

In summary, the Sagarmala scheme seeks to transform India’s maritime infrastructure, boost economic growth, and create employment opportunities by strategically developing its coastal and waterway assets¹²³. 🌊🚢🏭

Certainly! The Sagarmala Programme offers several benefits for India’s maritime sector and overall economic growth:

  1. National GDP Growth: By boosting exports, the Sagarmala scheme aims to contribute to the national GDP growth. It is estimated that it could lead to an increase in exports by US$100 billion².

  2. Job Creation: The program has the potential to create 150,000 jobs by the year 2025². These jobs would span various sectors related to port development, logistics, and coastal activities.

  3. Reduced Logistics Costs and Time: Sagarmala focuses on improving infrastructure for transporting goods to and from ports efficiently and cost-effectively. By streamlining logistics, it aims to reduce the time and costs associated with cargo movement.

  4. Enhanced Global Competitiveness: As India’s maritime infrastructure becomes more efficient, it enhances the global competitiveness of Indian exports. This is crucial for positioning India as a key player in international trade.

  5. Connectivity to Remote Locations: The recently announced Sagarmala Seaplane Services (SSPS) further contribute to connectivity. Under the hub-and-spoke model, remote locations become easily accessible and interconnected. This not only benefits tourism but also aids in the economic prosperity of these regions¹.

In summary, the Sagarmala scheme is a comprehensive initiative that aims to unlock the economic potential of India’s coastline, boost trade, and create employment opportunities while improving logistics and connectivity³⁴. 🌊🚢📈