Lakshadweep signs Rs 165 cr contract with Colombo Dockyard

Kochi, May 2 (UNI) The territorial administration of Lakshadweep has signed Rs 165 crore ship building contract with Colombo Dockyard Ltd of Sri Lanka for the construction of two passenger-cum-cargo vessels.

Speaking to mediapersons last evening, Lakshadweep Administrator B V Selvaraj said the all-weather vessels, to be equipped with modern navigational and satellite communication systems, would have a carrying capacity of 250 passengers and 100 MT of cargo. While one vessel would be delivered by December 2009, the other would be handed over in June 2010.

The contract was signed by Lakshadweep Port Officer A Hamza and Colombo Dockyard Ltd Managing Director Mangala P B Yapa.

Mr Selvaraj said 18 vessels would be inducted into service in the next 15 years to increase sea connectivity with the mainland.

Various orders for ships had been placed with shipyards in India, Singapore and Malaysia to increase the fleet of ships of the archipelago.

To increase the air-connectivity, Indian (Airlines) subsidiary Alliance air would start operations by June, he noted.

Mr Selvaraj said two airstrips -- one in Minicoy and the other in Androth -- would be laid to improve infrastructure on the islands.

''The administration is working in conjunction with the Airports Authority of India to strengthen the airport infrastructure and establish guided landing facilities on the islands,'' he added.

He said modern refuelling centres for aircraft would be established in Agathi and Minicoy in the near future.

UNI