Lakshadweep to Rival Maldives: Modi Govt Unveils 8 Mega Projects for Connectivity Boost

Lakshadweep to Rival Maldives: Almost a year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep and the pictures generated interest in the place, the Centre is set to launch 8 big projects to connect Lakshadweep with tourists and give Maldives a run for its money.

CNN-NEWS18 has accessed a Union government document that lists out these projects — bigger vessels to Kavaratti, Agatti and Minicoy islands, landside facilities including passenger facilitation centre with modern amenities at Kalpeni, Kadmath and Androth Islands and open jetty to handle cruise vessels at Kalpeni and Kadmath islands.

Work will start on the first project worth Rs 303 crore — the jetties and landside at Kadmath Island for which tenders are out on December 4.

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The idea is to develop a multimodal jetty that can handle all the passenger vessels operating in Lakshadweep islands and hence improve connectivity to the island and safety and comfort of passengers, connectivity and accessibility of tourists. Centre plans to develop port and shipping infrastructure in all inhabited Lakshadweep Islands and allow unhindered shipping services and safe passenger and cargo handling throughout the year. This will be a big game changer.

1. Lakshadweep Gets Better Internet Connectivity

Being an island away from mainland India, Lakshadweep has always faced challenges in terms of internet connectivity. The Kochi Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection (KLI- SOFC) project was designed to improve the internet connectivity problem in Lakshadweep.

2. Plant to Convert Sea Water to Potable Water

A key infrastructure project in Lakshadweep is the Low Temperature Thermal Desalination Plant. As Lakshadweep is a group of islands surrounded by the sea from all sides, drinking water supply is a key problem. To address this, the Ministry of Earth Sciences has developed an indigenous technology to convert sea water into potable water.

3. Clean Tap Water for Agatti and Mincoy

In addition to this, the Union Government has also ensured tap water in two key islands of Lakshadweep. Under the Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) initiative, all households of Agatti and Mincoy islands will receive clean tap water.

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4. Solar Power Plant at Kavaratti for Regular Electricity

The Union Government has also endeavored to ensure continuous supply of electricity using Solar Power plants. The Prime Minister has commissioned the First ever battery-backed Solar Power plant in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep.

5. Primary Healthcare Facilities in Kalpeni

In order to ensure better healthcare facilities in the Island state, the Union government will renovate the Primary Healthcare centres in Kalpeni. In addition to this, the healthcare infrastructure of the entire state is being improved.

6. New Resorts To Be Set-up by Taj Group

In order to attract tourists from across the world, the Tata group has announced the establishment of two resorts.

7. Ice Plant for Fisheries at Agatti

The Economy of Lakshadweep is heavily dependent on fisheries export. However, the storage of fish was a challenge for the fishermen.

The increased focus of the Union government towards infrastructure development in Lakshadweep islands is a welcome step. Projects such as internet connectivity using optical fiber and drinking water projects will go a long way in easing the life of citizens. It will also boost the tourism industry in Lakshadweep. Additionally, Lakshadweep can be a solid alternative for Maldives if an aggressive approach towards tourist infrastructure development is employed.

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