Construction on the highly anticipated International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) in Andaman's Galathea Bay is poised to begin within months. Tenders for the project's first phase are set for release in the next month, with construction commencing three months later.
Crucial approvals are in place, including environmental clearances and in-principle finance greenlight. The project, spread over 130 sq km, aims to transform Great Nicobar Island into a leading container transshipment hub.
Strategic location near international shipping routes, deep natural waters, and capacity to handle cargo from nearby ports are key drivers for the project's success. The port will be built in four phases, reaching a final capacity of 16 million containers per year. The initial phase, to be completed by 2028, will handle 4 million containers annually.
With an estimated cost of Rs 18,000 crore, the first phase will involve breakwater construction, dredging, reclamation, and more. Subsequent phases will be dependent on demand assessment.
Major Indian and international players like Adani Ports, JSW Infra, and Royal Boskalis Westminster have shown interest in the project, paving the way for a swift development process.
The Galathea Bay Port project is a major step towards the holistic development of Great Nicobar Island and is expected to significantly boost India's maritime trade.