Recently, there are significant developments in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. The Prime Minister has declared groundbreaking plans to transform these islands into a maritime and startup hub. These developments have ushered in an array of new projects aimed at better connectivity, trade enhancement, and overall economic growth.
Major Developments in Infrastructure
One of the major key points of this deployment plan is the setup of a transshipment hub in South Bay, on Great Nicobar Island. Traditionally, transshipment involves moving cargo or a container from one vessel to another while it’s in transit to its final destination. This new hub will provide Indian shippers with an alternative to existing transshipment ports in Colombo (Sri Lanka), Singapore, and Port Klang (Malaysia).
Furthermore, 12 islands of the archipelago have been selected for high-impact projects. These initiatives will focus on boosting the trade of sea-based, organic, and coconut-based products of the region.
Digital Independence for the Islands
A significant development in these islands is the launching of a submarine cable project. A total of 2300 Km of submarine optical fibers cable (OFC) have been laid to connect Chennai and Port Blair and other seven islands including Swaraj Deep (Havelock), Long Island, etc. This project is funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund under the Ministry of Communications and executed by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).
Expansion of Transportation Facilities
In addition to the digital development, the authorities also aim for advancements in transportation. Port Blair airport is set to be expanded whilst some islands will be connected via seaplanes.
The Road So Far: A Brief Background
In 2015, the government announced an ambitious Rs 10,000 crore economic plan to transform the Andaman and Nicobar Islands into the country’s first maritime hub. This involves not just infrastructure construction but also protection of the original Jarawa inhabitants and boosting tourism.
Benefits of the Development
The development brings about numerous benefits on multiple fronts. Better connectivity will facilitate telemedicine, tele-education, and various e-governance services. Small and large enterprises will experience growth opportunities in e-commerce, benefitting from better connectivity.
A significant decrease in internet costs will stimulate tourism and the local economy. The construction of a new transshipment hub will propel the group of islands to an important stage in the blue economy.
Strategic Significance
These islands hold immense strategic importance for India’s security due to their location in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Enhancements in infrastructure will increase India’s military and naval strength. The islands are home to the Andamans and Nicobar Command (ANC), India’s only tri-services command.
Impact on International Relations
This development will also help India foster stronger economic ties with the ASEAN region. Given India’s ‘Act East’ policy, the role of these islands becomes increasingly pivotal.
About Submarine Communications Cable
Submarine Communications Cable is laid on the seabed to transmit telecommunication signals across large stretches of ocean. These cables offer reliable, cost-efficient internet connections of large capacity compared to satellites.
Insights on Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF)
USOF ensures quality ICT services at efficient prices to people in rural and remote areas. Created under the Department of Telecommunications in 2002, it is a non-lapsable fund that requires parliamentary approval.
