Jairam Ramesh Seeks Clarity on Great Nicobar Transhipment Port Development
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has written to Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal requesting transparency on the Great Nicobar Island port project. He raised critical questions regarding ownership structure, tender timelines, and the project's significant potential for ecological damage.
Highlights
- •Jairam Ramesh requested a project timeline and ownership clarity for the Great Nicobar port.
- •The ministry previously identified major risks, including competition from established ports like Singapore and Colombo.
- •Ramesh continues to highlight concerns over ecological devastation and the adequacy of impact assessments.
- •Opposition leaders argue the project prioritizes commercial interests over environmental protection and defense needs.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has initiated formal correspondence with Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, demanding detailed explanations regarding the development of the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) project. Central to his inquiry is the proposed International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP) slated for Galathea Bay, with the former environment minister raising significant alarms about potential ecological damage and procedural transparency.
Questions Surrounding the Transhipment Port Project
In a letter dated June 21, 2026, Jairam Ramesh requested clarification on the timeline for opening tenders to attract private investment for the Great Nicobar Island port. He specifically questioned the government regarding the final selection process for private co-owners and operators of the venture. Furthermore, he sought confirmation on ownership structures, asking if the project would permit 100 percent private shareholding, given that the established minimum private participation requirement is 55 percent.
The correspondence highlights discussions from the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) held in March 2026. Ramesh pointed out that the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways had previously acknowledged two major risks: the challenge of establishing a large-scale greenfield port and the difficulty of diverting traffic from well-established regional hubs like Singapore, Colombo, and Port Klang. The Congress leader expressed surprise that the project continues to be pushed despite these identified risks and the documented threat of ecological destruction.
Ecological Concerns and Ongoing Opposition
The Great Nicobar Island project, which incorporates a naval-cum-civilian airport, a power plant, and a township alongside the port, has been a subject of frequent scrutiny. Ramesh emphasized that the environmental impact assessments conducted for the overall project are insufficient. He has also engaged in a series of communications with other government officials, including Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, consistently urging a re-evaluation of the project's scope.
The opposition's critique extends to the potential environmental impact on coral colonies and the long-term sustainability of the development. Rahul Gandhi has also publicly criticized the initiative, dismissing government claims that the project is strictly for national defense or maritime transhipment. Instead, he has alleged that the motives behind the project favor commercial interests over environmental preservation. As the project advances, the demand for clear, transparent disclosures regarding financial and environmental planning remains a central point of contention for critics.
