Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inspects progress of Galathea Bay’s International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP)

The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, undertook a visit to the proposed International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP) site at Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar Island. During the visit, the Minister assessed the advancements made in the project, which is strategically aligned with the Maritime India vision 2030 and stands as a key project in the Amrit kaal Vision 2047.

The ICTP, with an estimated cost of approximately ₹44,000 Crores, is anticipated to play a pivotal role in the economic and infrastructural development of the entire region. The Directorate of Foreign Trade Policy is in the final stages of preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR), with tenders for construction expected to be invited at the onset of the upcoming year. Notable achievements for the project include environmental clearance granted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests & Climate Change on November 11, 2022, and the acquisition of stage 1 forest clearance.

The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, has given “In-Principle” approval for the comprehensive development of the Great Nicobar Island. The upcoming steps involve finalizing the DPR, followed by tender invitations for the project’s construction in early 2024. The Mega Container Terminal development is integral to the holistic progress of Great Nicobar Island, focusing on strategic location advantages, natural water depth, and transshipment cargo capacity from nearby ports, including Indian Ports. Minister Sonowal engaged with local residents, stakeholders, and representatives after an aerial survey of the site.

He conducted a detailed review meeting on the proposed implementation methodology and timelines for the project. Emphasizing the significance of the venture, he stated, “This project will be a major landmark in developing India to become a self-assured and self-reliant Nation and will support the economic development of the country.” The Sagarmala program under MoPSW, aimed at modernizing and enhancing capacity at existing ports, has achieved substantial progress in the last nine years. With 94 completed projects worth Rs. 31,129 Cr., there has been a capacity addition of over 230 MTPA.

Additionally, 21 projects worth more than Rs. 23,000 Cr. have been successfully operationalized under PPP since 2014. India’s potential to set up mega ports is highlighted in the Maritime India Vision 2030, with identified key intervention areas such as capacity augmentation, developing Mega Ports, transshipment hubs in Southern India, and infrastructure modernization. The Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 outlines the development of four port clusters with a capacity of >300 MTPA and two port clusters with capacity >500 MTPA. The proposed Galathea Bay Port, due to its strategic location, is poised to attract both gateway and transshipped cargo.

The ICTP at Galathea Bay is expected to be developed in four phases, with Phase 1 planned for commissioning in 2028, handling approximately 4 million TEUs, expanding to 16 million TEUs by 2058. The Minister highlighted the estimated cost of Phase 1 at around INR 19,000+ crores, emphasizing government support for infrastructure development. Sarbananda Sonowal also explored the tourism potential of Indira Point, the southernmost point of India’s territory, directing officials to examine its development as a tourism destination.

Additionally, he reviewed the progress of the Campbell Bay Port project, aimed at enhancing berthing facilities and accommodating larger vessels for increased passenger and cargo movement in the region. The Minister expressed confidence that the development of Galathea Bay’s ICTP would significantly contribute to India’s economic growth, fostering self-reliance and fulfilling the visionary goals set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a new and prosperous India. The strategic initiatives undertaken align with India’s ambitions to establish Mega Ports and compete globally, reinforcing the nation’s position in the maritime domain.