Lieutenant Governor Dinesh Sharma presented NITI Aayog with a comprehensive development roadmap for the islands. The plan seeks tailored central support to overcome geographical constraints and accelerate sustainable growth.Measures to boost the islands' economy were also discussed.
Srivijayapuram,Nov 5, 2026 11:54 ISTAndaman and Nicobar Islands Lieutenant Governor Dinesh Sharma has presented a roadmap for inclusive and sustainable growth of the Union territory at a high-level NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi, news agency Press Trust of India reported, citing an official statement issued on Thursday.The roadmap covered connectivity, infrastructure, water supply, healthcare, renewable energy, tourism, fisheries, agriculture and employment. Sharma also sought flexibility in the rules for central schemes and time-bound decisions on pending proposals.The meeting, held on Wednesday, was chaired by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri.
NITI Aayog member R Subrahmanyam, CEO Anurag Jain, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Chief Secretary Gyanesh Bharti and senior officials from various central ministries attended it, according to PTI.Highlighting the islands' strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region, Sharma called for a development approach tailored to their needs. He cited the geographical challenges posed by 31 inhabited islands spread across 8,249 square kilometres.
Sharma sought flexibility in central scheme norms because of the high cost of transporting construction materials and essential commodities from the mainland. The meeting also discussed proposed projects in Great Nicobar.Concerns over connectivity, including fewer flights and high airfares, were prominently discussed, the statement said.
Sharma called for faster upgrading of National Highway 4, construction of the Middle Strait Bridge, reconstruction of 13 jetties under Sagarmala 2.0 and stronger cargo vessel services.The meeting reviewed plans to improve water supply in 265 villages, replace ageing pipelines, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand MRI facilities at ANIIMS and promote renewable energy.Measures to boost the islands' economy through deep-sea tuna fishing, local employment, exports and tourism development at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island, Viper Island and Swaraj Dweep were also discussed, PTI reported.Other issues included agriculture, cold storage, farm mechanisation and pending rural road projects under PMGSY-IV.In closing, Sharma called for time-bound decisions on pending proposals, flexibility in central schemes, clearly defined responsibilities and regular reviews to speed up the islands' development.- Ends