Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2185, answered on 12.12.2025, addresses the maintenance work of passenger and cargo ships belonging to the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. The Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (Shri Sarbananda Sonowal) stated that Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has repaired 17 vessels of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration (UTLA) within the agreed timelines. CSL coordinated with Lakshadweep Development Corporation Ltd (LDCL) to ensure continued operation of similar vessels during repairs. Passenger movement increased from 3,46,447 in FY 2023-24 to 3,55,612 in FY 2024-25. Cargo movement increased from 23,379.36 MT in FY 2023-24 to 37,039.40 MT in FY 2024-25.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: The concerned ministry responsible for the maintenance work of passenger and cargo ships.
Lakshadweep: Union Territory where the maintenance delays are occurring and impacting passenger/cargo movement.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL): The shipyard responsible for repair and maintenance of vessels belonging to the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
Lakshadweep Administration (UTLA): The administration of Union Territory of Lakshadweep which owns the vessels and coordinates with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2185
ANSWERED ON 12.12.2025
MAINTENANCE WORK OF PASSENGER AND CARGO SHIPS
2185. 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 that the repair and maintenance works of
passenger and cargo ships belonging to the Union Territory of Lakshadweep are facing
inordinate delays at Cochin Shipyard Limited;
(b) if so, the reasons for such delays along with the steps being taken to expedite the
completion of repair works;
(c) whether the delay in ship repairs has adversely affected passenger transportation
and cargo movement between the islands and the mainland; and
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the measures being taken to ensure uninterrupted
and safe transport facilities for the islanders?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
(SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)
(a) to (d) During the past one year, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has undertaken
repairs of 17 vessels of Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration (UTLA),
including dry-dock and lay-up repairs, and all vessels were delivered within the agreed
timelines. CSL has coordinated with Lakshadweep Development Corporation Ltd
(LDCL) to ensure that when a passenger or cargo vessel is taken for repair, another
vessel of the same class remains operational. This approach helped UTLA to ensure
uninterrupted passenger transport and cargo movement. As per information received
from UTLA, the passenger movement in ships during the number of passengers in FY
2023-24 was 3,46,447 passengers while in FY 2024-25 the passenger movement got
enhanced to 3,55,612 passengers. Further, as per UTLA data, the cargo movement
during FY 2023-24 was 23,379.36 MT while in FY 2024-25 the cargo movement got
enhanced to 37,039.40 MT.
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