Kolkata, 21 July (H.S.) : Great Nicobar is poised to become one of India's most significant strategic and infrastructure destinations as the Centre pushes ahead with a ₹13,000-crore civil-military greenfield airport, a project expected to transform connectivity, tourism and India's maritime presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

The government has decided to prioritise the greenfield airport at Chingen, near Galathea Bay, over the long-pending proposal to extend the Indian Navy's INS Baaz runway at Campbell Bay. The airport, being developed under the ambitious Great Nicobar Project, is targeted for commissioning in 2031.

Officials say the project represents a long-term shift in India's approach to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Beyond improving air connectivity, the airport is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic development, support tourism growth and strengthen India's strategic capabilities in one of the world's most important maritime regions.

At present, commercial air traffic to the islands is largely dependent on Veer Savarkar International Airport in Sri Vijaya Puram. The new airport is expected to provide additional operational capacity, improve flight connectivity and create opportunities for increased airline operations as tourism demand grows.

The airport forms part of the broader Great Nicobar Project, which also includes a deep-sea transshipment port, power infrastructure, township development and supporting transport networks. Together, these projects are designed to position Great Nicobar as a major logistics, trade and connectivity hub in the Bay of Bengal.

The island's proximity to the Malacca Strait, one of the world's busiest global shipping corridors, gives the project strategic importance beyond civilian infrastructure. Officials believe the integrated civil-military facilities will enhance India's maritime reach, improve logistics and reinforce its presence across the Indo-Pacific.

While the project has secured the necessary statutory approvals, it continues to attract attention over its environmental impact and the welfare of indigenous tribal communities. The government has maintained that development will proceed within the approved regulatory framework while addressing ecological and rehabilitation concerns.

Although the airport is expected to become operational by 2031, officials acknowledge that execution timelines could be influenced by the logistical challenges of transporting construction materials, machinery and manpower to the remote island.

Once completed, the Great Nicobar airport is expected to become more than just a transport facility. It is envisioned as the cornerstone of India's long-term strategy to enhance regional connectivity, expand tourism, strengthen maritime security and establish the island as a key economic gateway in the eastern Indian Ocean.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh