Lok Sabha Question No. 1719 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-10
Subject: Economic Development of Island
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Janardan Singh Sigriwal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1719

TO  BE  ANSWERED  ON  THE  10 TH   FEBRUARY,  2026/  MAGHA  21,  1947 (SAKA)

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF ISLAND

1719. SHRI JANARDAN SINGH SIGRIWAL:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the steps taken by the Government for the economic development of the Island Union Territory; and

(b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a) and (b):   Sir, the Government has taken various steps for the economic development of Island Union Territories (UTs) through strategic interventions  across  various  sectors,  including  tourism,  digital/telecom connectivity, road/air/sea connectivity, infrastructural development, governance reforms, etc.

Tourism has been identified as a key sector due to its multiplier effect in the island UTs. UT of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (UT of ANI) has given the industry status to tourism and variety of tourism activities/initiatives, such as, eco-tourism, cruise tourism, cultural, heritage, adventure tourism

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 1719 FOR 10.02.2026

and tourist circuits are being promoted in the islands. UT Administration has made innovative policies for Bird Watching, Caravan Tourism, Luxury Tents, Astro Tourism and Houseboat Tourism. Further, to fulfil present and future  requirement  of  hotel  accommodation,  eco-tourism  projects  at Shaheed  Dweep,  Aves  and  Long  islands  and  brownfield  project  of Megapode resort at Sri Vijaya Puram are being developed on PPP mode. To  attract  domestic  and  international  tourists,  Radhanagar  beach  at Swaraj Dweep has been certified as Blue Flag Beach and 10 more beaches have also been identified for Blue Flag certification.

Similarly, UT of Lakshadweep has taken a lead to develop first of its kind lagoon villas at Kadmat and Suheli islands on PPP mode. To address the long standing demand of tourists for accommodation at Bangaram island, 50 luxury tented stays have now been made operational. Thundi Beach at Minicoy and Kadmat Beach have been certified as Blue Flag beaches and two more beaches have also been identified for similar certification.

To leverage the Information and Communication Technology potential and provide its benefits to the citizens, significant steps have been taken for enhancing digital/telecom connectivity in UT of ANI by commissioning of the Chennai Andaman Nicobar Islands (CANI) Optical Fiber Cable Project. Under  BharatNet,  all blocks, Gram Panchayats, and Tribal Councils have

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 1719 FOR 10.02.2026

been connected. Similarly, the Kochi Lakshadweep Islands (KLI) Submarine Optical Fibre Cable Project (KLI-SOFC Project) has connected the mainland  (Kochi)  and  all the inhabited Islands of the UT  of Lakshadweep  through  submarine  cable.  Redundancy  through  satellite transponders is also maintained for internet services in both the island UTs.

In view of the importance of air connectivity for the islands, UT of ANI has operationalised  a  newly  constructed  modern  terminal  building  of  Veer Savarkar  International  Airport  at  Sri  Vijaya  Puram,  with  a  capacity  to handle 50 lakh passengers per year. Helicopter services have been made operational from Sri Vijaya Puram to Car Nicobar, Diglipur, Mayabunder, Rangat,  Kamorta,  Katchal,  Chowra,  Teressa,  Shaheed  Dweep,  Swaraj Dweep  and  Campbell  Bay  to  strengthen  the  inter-island  connectivity. Extending  the  benefits  of  UDAN  scheme  to  the  people  of  ANI,  UT  has planned for connecting Diglipur, Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay with 19seater  fixed  wing  aircraft.  On  similar  lines,  UT  of  Lakshadweep  has ensured  regular  connectivity  by  flights  from  mainland  (Kochi,  Goa  and Bengaluru) to Agatti island. For inter-island connectivity, while there are ferry  services  in  island  UTs,  seaplane  services  are  also  planned  for implementation at multiple islands in these UTs.

Since,  infrastructure  lays  the  foundation  for  economic  development, several  infrastructural  projects,  such  as  roads,  ports,  jetties,  shipping services, health services, renewable energy, digital governance, etc. have also been undertaken in the island UTs. Further, for promotion of fisheries and  blue  economy  in  the  island  UTs,  development  of  infrastructure  & logistics,  deep  sea  fishing,  aquaculture,  seaweed  cultivation,  capacity building, etc. has been taken up.

In  both  the  island  UTs,  the  Government  has  ensured  effective  and outcome-oriented implementation of flagship schemes  with robust monitoring mechanism to advance inclusive growth, livelihood generation,  infrastructure  creation  and  improved  quality  of  life.  These schemes are being leveraged to strengthen connectivity, drinking water and sanitation coverage, healthcare access, housing, fisheries and MSME livelihoods,  women's  empowerment  and  digital  service  delivery.  This convergence-based  approach  has  improved  last-mile  service  delivery, expanded employment opportunities and enhanced social welfare outcomes, particularly in remote island habitations.

To promote industry and business activities, compliance burden has been significantly reduced with strong focus on Ease of Doing Business, deregulation,   which   has   also   catalyzed   investment   confidence    and

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 1719 FOR 10.02.2026

broadened  economic  activities.  Investment  promotion  schemes  have been formulated to encourage investment by way of providing capital and interest subsidy.

These initiatives  of  the  Government  have  led  to  sustainable  economic growth in the island UTs. It is the endeavour of Government of India to make UTs role models of good governance and development.

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