**Executive Summary**
This document is a response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1043, answered on December 5, 2025, regarding the maintenance of western embarkation jetties in Lakshadweep. It confirms the jetties are operational, outlines planned development projects, and details funds allocated for maintenance and safety upgrades. The Cochin Port Authority (CoPA) is implementing the projects, expected to take approximately 36 months each after clearances and tender formalities.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Current Status of Jetties:**
* Western side embarkation jetties in all islands of Lakshadweep are currently fully operational.
* Routine annual maintenance is carried out by Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW) with UTLA funding.
* **Planned Development Projects:**
* The government has proposed modernization and development projects for western embarkation jetties.
* Three projects are planned:
* Development of port facilities at Kalpeni (Rs. 168.60 crore).
* Development of port facilities at Kadmat island (Rs. 141.85 crore).
* Development of port facilities at Kiltan island (Rs. 351.87 crore).
* CoPA is the implementing agency.
* Each project is estimated to take 36 months after all required clearances and tender formalities are completed.
* Preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for development of port facilities at Chetlat island and western side of Kavaratti, Agatti and Minicoy are underway.
* **Funds Allocation for Maintenance and Safety Upgradation:**
* Funds allocated to ALHW by UTLA for maintenance and safety upgradation of jetties for:
* 2023-24: Rs. 7.313 crore
* 2024-25: Rs. 3.738 crore
* 2025-26 (upto 03.11.2025): Rs. 5.775 crore
**Impact Analysis**
**Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration (UTLA)**
* **Impact:** UTLA is responsible for the upkeep and development of port facilities, ensuring they remain operational and safe for passengers and cargo. UTLA is also responsible for providing funds to ALHW for maintaining the jetties
* **Action Required:** UTLA needs to continue providing funds to ALHW, monitor project progress, ensure completion of DPRs and provide necessary clearances for development projects.
**Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW)**
* **Impact:** ALHW is responsible for carrying out routine annual maintenance of western side jetties.
* **Action Required:** ALHW needs to continue annual maintenance of jetties.
**Cochin Port Authority (CoPA)**
* **Impact:** CoPA is responsible for implementing three development projects.
* **Action Required:** CoPA needs to ensure completion of development projects within 36 months after all required clearances and tender formalities are completed.
**Residents/Users of Lakshadweep Islands**
* **Impact:** Residents/users of Lakshadweep islands are dependent on well-maintained and safe jetties for transportation and cargo movement.
* **Action Required:** Residents/users of Lakshadweep islands will benefit from having well-maintained and safe jetties.
Key Entities Referenced
Lakshadweep: Union Territory where maintenance of western embarkation jetties is the subject of the question.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: The ministry responsible for matters related to ports and shipping, answering questions about Lakshadweep jetties.
Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration (UTLA): The administration of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, providing information and proposing projects related to the jetties.
Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW): The organization responsible for routine maintenance work of jetties in Lakshadweep.
Cochin Port Authority (CoPA): The implementing agency for the development projects of western side port facilities in Lakshadweep.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1043
ANSWERED ON 05.12.2025
MAINTENANCE OF WESTERN EMBARKATION JETTIES IN LAKSHADWEEP
1043. 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 और जलमाग(cid:330) मं(cid:361)ी
(a) whether the Government is aware of the poor condition and lack of proper maintenance of
western embarkation jetties in several islands of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep;
(b) if so, the details of the islands where such jetties are in need of urgent repair, maintenance,
or reconstruction to ensure the safety of passengers and cargo movement;
(c) whether the Government has formulated or proposed any plan for the modernization and
development of western embarkation jetties in all inhabited islands of Lakshadweep;
(d) if so, the details of the proposed projects, including estimated costs, implementation
agencies, and timelines; and
(e) whether adequate funds have been allocated for the regular maintenance and safety
upgradation of these jetties, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
(SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)
(a) & (b) Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration (UTLA) has informed that western
side embarkation jetties in all islands of Lakshadweep are currently in fully operational condition.
Routine annual maintenance work of western side jetties in all islands are carried out by
Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW) with the funds provided by UTLA from time to
time.
(c) Yes.
(d) Three projects viz. (i) Development of western side port facilities at Kalpeni at a cost of Rs.
168.60 crore, (ii) Development of port facilities on western side of Kadmat island at a cost of
Rs. 141.85 crore and (iii) Development of port facilities at Kiltan island at a cost of Rs. 351.87
crore have been proposed by UTLA. Cochin Port Authority (CoPA) is the implementing agency
for these projects and around 36 months will be required for completion of each project aftergetting all required clearance and completing the tender formalities. Further, preparation of
Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the development of port facilities at Chetlat island and western
side of Kavaratti, Agatti and Minicoy are underway.
(e) Funds allocated to ALHW for maintenance and safety upgradation of jetties by UTLA during
the last three year is as under:-
Sl. Funds allocated Amount (Rs. in Crore)
No.
i. 2023-24 Rs. 7.313
ii. 2024-25 Rs. 3.738
ii. 2025-26 (upto 03.11.2025) Rs. 5.775
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