Union Cabinet Likely To Approve International Container Transhipment Port At Galathea Bay

The Union Cabinet will likely approve the International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP) at Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar Island, a significant step forward for India’s maritime infrastructure. The massive project, expected to cost Rs 44,000 crore, is an essential component of India’s Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aims to advance the nation’s maritime development.

Essential Facts of the ICTP Project:

The proposed ICTP at Galathea Bay is ideally situated for export-import trade, only 40 nautical miles from the international shipping trade route.
The ICTP is envisioned as a significant infrastructure project to facilitate container transhipment between ports. It will be a transhipment deepwater seaport with features like a deep water channel and large berth areas for effective cargo handling.

Phase 1 of the project, which will have a handling capacity of about 4 million TEUs, is anticipated to be operational by 2028 and will be carried out in four phases. By 2058, a total of 16 million TEUs is the ultimate target.

The project received environmental clearance in November 2022 from the Ministry of Environment and Forests. Stage 1 forest clearance was also obtained. However, the project has encountered ecological challenges because of the pristine state of Great Nicobar Island and Galathea Bay, which serves as a leatherback turtle nesting area.

Great Nicobar Island’s comprehensive development has received “In-Principle” approval from the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, demonstrating the project’s strong government support.

Benefits of the ICTP Project:

It is projected that the ICTP will increase economic activity at other Indian ports, draw foreign direct investment, and produce savings in foreign currency.

The construction of the Mega Container Terminal is a component of Great Nicobar Island’s comprehensive development plan, which will improve the region’s logistics infrastructure.

It is believed that the project will boost revenue share, generate jobs, and significantly impact the Indian economy.

Though the project is a significant step towards India’s maritime goals, it has been controversial, with scientists and environmentalists raising concerns about possible harm to the island’s distinctive ecosystems.

Reference- The New Indian Express, Drishti

Union Cabinet Likely To Approve International Container Transhipment Port At Galathea Bay appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News