A dedicated jetty for Lakshadweep, along with cargo-handling facilities and a passenger cruise terminal, will be developed at the Old Mangalore Port at an estimated cost of ₹65 crore under Sagarmala Scheme of the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways.
Lakshadweep Islands depend entirely on shipping services for day-to-day needs. The administration operates four cargo ships and three passenger ships for residents’ requirement.
The Lakshadweep vessels face serious berthing delay at ports. To reduce delay and improve transport efficiency, the Lakshadweep authority has requested a dedicated berth at Old Mangalore Port, and the ministry of shipping has given approval it under Sagarmala Scheme.
Once all approvals are in place, the state govt and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep will sign an agreement to implement the project, officials said during the environmental public hearing for the project held on Wednesday.
The jetty will feature a 303.6 metre long berth for cargo handling and a 76 metre berth for passenger operations. On the waterfront, 9,800 sqm will be developed for the cargo berth, and 6,000 sqm for the passenger cruise berth.
The construction of the wharf for vessels and cargo will be taken up at a cost of ₹38.6 crore, while the passenger cruise lounge building will cost ₹5.4 crore. A godown with 1,000 MT capacity will be built at a cost of ₹1.3 crore, and dredging up to a 7 metre depth will be carried out at an estimated cost of ₹2.9 crore.
Basic amenities proposed under the project include toilets, landscaped gardens, lift facilities for the cruise lounge, drinking water facilities, X-ray baggage inspection systems, handheld metal detectors, signage across the jetty and buildings, and fire-fighting equipment.
The passenger cruise terminal will house a passenger lounge, restaurants, toilets, a security check-in area, office rooms, and shops.