**Summary:**
This document summarizes the Indian government's response to a parliamentary question regarding the construction of embarkation jetties on Chetlat and Kiltan islands in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
The Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration (UTLA) submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) on June 29, 2024, to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) for the construction of jetties on the eastern and western sides of Kiltan and Chetlat islands. The MoPSW has requested UTLA to conduct further studies before project commencement.
To facilitate these studies, the MoPSW sanctioned ₹13.99 Crore under the Sagarmala Scheme on September 17, 2024. The existing jetties on these islands are old and designed for small boats, necessitating the transfer of passengers and cargo from large ships via smaller boats, posing safety concerns during rough sea conditions. The MoPSW will consider the project after the completion of the requested studies.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: A ministry of the Government of India responsible for ports, shipping, and waterways.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India, where the question was raised.
SHRI MUHAMMED HAMDULLAH SAYEED: The Member of Parliament who raised the unstarred question.
Chetlat Island: An island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep where the construction of embarkation jetties is proposed.
Kiltan Island: An island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep where the construction of embarkation jetties is proposed.
Union Territory of Lakshadweep: A union territory of India, consisting of islands, where the jetties are proposed to be constructed.
SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL: The Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Sagarmala Scheme: A Government of India initiative, under which funds were sanctioned for studies related to the jetty construction project.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2156
ANSWERED ON 01.08.2025
CONSTRUCTION OF EMBARKATION JETTIES
2156. SHRI MUHAMMED HAMDULLAH SAYEED:
Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state:
प(cid:517)न, पोत प(cid:303)रवहन एवं जलमाग(cid:330) मं(cid:361)ालय
(a) whether the Government has received any proposal for the construction of
embarkation jetties on the eastern side of Chetlat and Kiltan islands in the Union Territory
of Lakshadweep;
(b) if so, the details of the proposal and the current status of its consideration or
approval;
(c) whether the absence of such jetties is causing difficulties and safety concerns
during the embarkation and dis-embarkation of passengers from ships, especially during
adverse weather conditions, if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government proposes to take immediate steps to sanction and
construct these jetties to ensure safe and reliable maritime connectivity for the residents
of these islands; and
(e) if so, the expected timeline for commencement and completion of the project?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
(SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)
(a) & (b) Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration (UTLA) submitted Detailed
Project Report (DPR) for construction of jetties on eastern & western side of the islands
of Kiltan & Chetlat vide their letter dated 29.06.2024 to Ministry of Ports, Shipping &
Waterways (MoPSW). MoPSW advised UTLA to conduct certain studies before these
projects could be taken up. Based on the request received from UTLA, an amount of
Rs.13.99 Crore was sanctioned under Sagarmala Scheme on 17.09.2024 to conduct
these studies.(c) UTLA has informed that the existing jetties in these islands are quite old and
designed to handle small boats. Hence, passengers/ cargo arriving on large ships/
vessels are transported to the islands through smaller boats, which is of concern when
sea condition is rough.
(d) & (e) Question does not arise in view of answer to part (a) & (b) above.
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