Lakshadweep's ₹4,500-crore renovation: new Taj resorts and airport expansion will help the island compete with the Maldives

Lakshadweep's ₹4,500-crore renovation: new Taj resorts and airport expansion will help the island compete with the Maldives

L&T has been given a ₹4,500 crore contract by the government to expand Agatti Airport's runway by 2,800 meters. Plans also include building a greenfield airport on Minicoy island, which is close to the Maldives. The government wants to position Lakshadweep as an example for inclusive, responsible development that strikes a balance between environmental preservation and economic advancement, according to Culture and Tourism Minister G. Kishan Reddy. defense.

The Lakshadweep archipelago is undergoing a massive makeover with numerous large projects in the works to capitalize on its tourist potential, according to a report released on Thursday by news agency PTI.

Following a diplomatic spat over insulting remarks made by some of the island nation's deputy ministers on social media contrary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India, New Delhi is preparing to promote the island archipelago to tourists as an alternative to the Maldives. is organized. In January, Modi paid a visit to Lakshadweep.

The government is placing greater focus on infrastructure development in an effort to increase tourism to the islands. According to the news agency, L&T has been given a ₹4,500 crore contract to expand the Agatti airport's runway by 2,800 meters. The government also has plans to build a greenfield airport on Minicoy island, which is close to the Maldives, in addition to Agati.

According to the organization, Fly19 and SpiceJet have already received the required licenses from the government to fly flights to Agatti Island. In a meeting with the island's government on Wednesday, IndiGo also indicated its desire to begin operating flights to the destination. It is anticipated that Fly19 will begin operations before the end of this month.

Suheli, Minicoy, and Kadmat are the three islands where the Tata Group has previously suggested building three flagship Taj resorts. Suheli and Kadmat are the two that have previously received district administration approval. The first land villas in India, called Lagoon Villas, will be constructed by Taj Hotels & Resorts. There will be more than 100 rooms in each of these buildings.

In the meanwhile, the government has redesigned the Swadesh Darshan plan and designated 57 locations nationwide, including Lakshadweep, for development under the Swadesh Darshan scheme (SD) 2.0, Cultural Affairs and Tourism Minister G. Kishan Reddy told the Rajya Sabha on Monday.

According to Reddy, the government hopes to make Lakshadweep a role model for inclusive and responsible development by striking a balance between environmental preservation and economic advancement. This would allow for sustainable growth while maintaining the region's distinctive cultural and natural features. Based on this, a plan for the development of the Lakshadweep Islands has been created. improved living conditions for the islanders.

Utilizing the island's natural beauty to increase tourism, develop a robust and resilient economy, and promote a feeling of community pride and well-being are all part of the approach. Utilizing the island's natural beauty to increase tourism, develop a robust and resilient economy, and promote a feeling of community pride and well-being are all part of the plan.