| Work Detail |
First Phase of Galathea Bay Port Project in Great Nicobar Island Set to Commence with ?18,000 Crore Investment
In a significant development, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is gearing up to kickstart the first phase of the ambitious greenfield port project at Galathea Bay in Great Nicobar Island, with an estimated investment of ?18,000 crore. The project aims to establish a state-of-the-art port facility with a deep draft of over 20 meters, allowing access to larger vessels.
The initial phase, slated to begin within the next 30-40 days through a tendering process, will boast a capacity of 4 million TEUs (twenty equivalent units). Officials familiar with the matter revealed that the detailed project report for the first phase has been finalized, and all requisite clearances, including in-principle approval from the Finance Ministry and environmental clearances, are already in place.
The comprehensive scope of Phase 1 encompasses the construction of breakwaters, dredging, reclamation, berths, storage areas, buildings and utilities, as well as the procurement and installation of equipment. Additionally, a port colony will be developed, with core infrastructure support from the government. The Shipping Ministry, following a landlord model, anticipates the completion of Phase 1 by 2028.
Post the successful completion of Phase 1, work on Phase 2 will commence after assessing demand. Separate tenders will be issued for Phase 2, with a projected maximum gap of seven years between the two phases. However, officials noted that if demand accelerates, the time gap could be shortened.
The Galathea Bay port project is designed to operate on a public-private partnership basis, targeting international container trans-shipment movements. The overall estimated cost for the entire project is ?43,000 crore, with completion expected in four phases by 2058, providing a total capacity of 16 million TEUs. The development is poised to significantly enhance the regions infrastructure and contribute to Indias maritime capabilities. |
