Groundbreaking for Galathea Bay project in 2028: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal

Indian will go ahead with the Galathea Bay project and groundbreaking is expected in 2028, Union Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said Tuesday. Speaking to journalists, the minister said he has spoken to island dwellers who are putting their hopes on the success of this mega project.

According to Sonowal, environment and ecological concerns have been addressed while preparing the project which is at final stages of approvals.

“Physical work will begin on the Galathea Bay project in 2028,” Sonowal told ET, adding he has personally interacted with people living on the Andaman and Nicobar islands.


“The locals want it. They want to come out of isolation,” he said.

India has been planning a Rs 48,862 crore International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) on Great Nicobar Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. But the project ran into environmental concerns with perceived threats to Leatherback turtle breading zones and Coral reefs.

“Issues raised by all environmentalists have been adequately and factually addressed. We will ensure no ecological loss,” he said, adding competent authorities have give approvals on all stages for this project.

Commenting on the West Asia crisis, Sonowal said Indian vessels are coming without any issues.

“None of our vessels linked to the energy sector are being held up. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic outreach has helped,” he said.