The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited (ANIIDCO) has received bids from 12 companies looking to develop five-star eco-tourism resorts on several islands in the archipelago. Under public-private partnership arrangements, these projects will be undertaken on a design-build-finance-operate-transfer (DBFOT) basis.
The locations identified for the developments include Shaheed Dweep (formerly Neil Island), the Megapode Resort in Port Blair, Aves Island (currently uninhabited), Long Island, and Smith Island in North and Middle Andaman. The Example bids included five for the Shaheed Dweep project, four for the Megapode Resort redevelopment, two for Aves Island and one for Long Island.
For instance, a proposed resort on Aves Island is expected to involve an investment of about ₹36 crore, cover 2.75 hectares, and include around 50 rooms and amenities like scuba diving, nature camping, a wellness centre and a souvenir shopping area. The larger Long Island project is estimated at approximately ₹391 crore for a resort with up to 220 rooms.
The timeline for these projects has been set as three years for the Megapode Resort redevelopments and up to four years for the island-based projects. The bids are currently undergoing technical and financial evaluation, with awards expected following the completion of these assessments.
In line with India's larger "Holistic Development of Islands" (HDI) framework, this effort seeks to establish the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a worldwide destination for eco-friendly, nature-driven travel. The region had a 27% increase in foreign visitor arrivals and a 120% increase in domestic travellers in 2024, indicating the potential for expansion in its luxury tourism sector.
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