Feasibility study started for developing cargo hub in Andaman’s Atlanta Bay

NEW DELHI: The government has initiated a feasibility study for development of bulk cargo transshipment hub in Atlanta Bay, located in Andaman Islands.

On Friday, the Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal visited Atlanta Bay near Diglipur in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and undertook an aerial survey and inspection of the proposed bulk cargo transshipment hub.

“Currently a jetty with 5 metre draft is serving for berthing of inter-island vessels of 4 metre draft. Considering the strategic location and other facilities available, a bulk cargo transshipment hub can be developed in Atlanta Bay,” said a statement from the ministry.

“Considering its strategic location, in the northern side of A&N (Andaman and Nicobar) Islands, a 10 metre draft harbour is essential to promote high-end tourism and other essential purposes. Once developed, the people of north & middle Andaman will benefit and the travel time between major ports at Andaman and Kolkata will be reduced from 72 hours to 15 hours,” the statement said.

The proposed transshipment hub is on the route from East and North East India to East and South East Asia and Australia-New Zealand and also falls along the trade route used for transport of coal, sand, iron ore, among others, to Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Once operationalized, the bulk cargo transshipment Port will be economically beneficial and will be 565 KM from Yangoon; 765 KM from Sittwe; 1,000 Km from Chittagong; 1,100 KM from Kolkata; 1,000 KM from Barisal and 80 KM from Coco Island.