In News:

An international cruise terminal to facilitate a “global” port-led city, “high-end” tourism infrastructure, and a ship-breaking yard are among the new additions to the ?72,000 crore mega-infrastructure project in Great Nicobar Island proposed by the Union Shipping Ministry.

Overview of the Project:

• The Great Nicobar Island Development Project is a ?72,000-crore initiative to transform the southernmost island of India into a hub for defense, logistics, commerce, eco-tourism, and infrastructure development.
• It is being implemented by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Ltd (ANIIDCO) over 16,610 hectares of land.
• The project includes multiple components like an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), an international airport, greenfield cities, a mass rapid transport system, and a free trade zone.

Key Proposed Developments:

• International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT): To make Great Nicobar a key player in global maritime trade.
• Greenfield International Airport: To improve connectivity and serve as a strategic airport.
• Greenfield Cities: New urban settlements to support the infrastructure.
• Coastal Mass Rapid Transport System: An advanced transportation network along the coast.
• Free Trade Zone: To facilitate international trade activities.
• International Cruise Terminal (new addition): To attract global tourists and facilitate cruise tourism.
• Ship Breaking Yard (new addition): To establish a facility for ship building and breaking.

Geographical and Ecological Context:

• Great Nicobar Island is the largest island in the Nicobar group, located at the southern tip of India. It is covered in rainforests and hosts diverse species, including endangered ones like the leatherback turtle and the Nicobar megapode.
• The island's ecosystem is rich in biodiversity, with extensive mangroves, coral reefs, and rainforests.

Significance of the Project:

• Geo-strategic Importance: The island’s location near the Malacca Strait offers a strategic maritime advantage, enhancing India’s global maritime presence.
• National Security: With increasing Chinese influence in the region, the project aims to strengthen India's maritime security.
• Economic Growth: The ICTT and other infrastructure will boost economic activities, making the region a vital trade hub.
• Job Creation: The development will lead to numerous job opportunities for locals, especially in sectors like tourism, ports, and transport.
• Tourism Development: With eco-tourism at its core, the project is expected to generate substantial income through tourism, improving the local economy.
• Social Infrastructure: It will lead to improvements in healthcare, education, and digital services through initiatives like telemedicine and tele-education.