Lakshadweep is going to improve the aerial connectivity with India’s mainland and the world in upcoming years. They made it possible via the proposed dual-use airfield in Minicoy for military and civilian purposes that handles Airbus A320/Boeing 737-size planes and fighter jets. Also, they plan to extend the 2-decade-old plan in Agatti to a 1.2km long airstrip in final shape. It allows the A320s to operate instead of the small turboprops that do currently.
Future plans of Lakshadweep
Indian resort majors say they’re scouting for greater websites in Lakshadweep. Taj has already introduced the opening of new hotels in Lakshadweep’s Suheli and Kadmat islands by 2026. The management is also pushing for extra cruise tourism to the Arabian Sea archipelago. Lakshadweep has a huge ability, Union minister G Kishan Reddy appeals to Indians to become an ambassador for Lakshadweep amid Maldives row.
Lakshadweep air tickets sold out till March, showing poor connectivity.
The Lakshadweep management says it has taken numerous steps to make a journey to the archipelago simpler by shifting the necessary e-allow absolutely online and lifting prohibitions on travelers from a few areas. Earlier visitors, Indian residents covered, had to pay a charge of Rs 200 in a bank and put up the deposit challan to use for an access permit. Now, an online system guarantees an allowance can be issued in one or 2 days.
Also, just how badly progressed air connectivity is needed can be gauged from the reality that Alliance Air, the simplest Indian airline that operates to Lakshadweep, has all its Kochi-Agatti-Kochi flights, the best aerial route to the archipelago, sold out until March.
A Lakshadweep Airlines analysis
The yet-to-be-divested and cash-strapped PSU operates a 70-seater turboprop ATR-72 daily to Lakshadweep and is now considering including flights there. Maldives has around 60 weekly flights from various Indian cities via Desi Airlines on my own.
Lakshadweep additional DM Giri Sankar told TOI: “Government, further increasing the prevailing Agatti airport (runway), is also planning a greenfield airport at Minicoy for A320/B737 sort of operations. The existing Agatti runway is proposed to be extended in the direction of its north aspect. The shoulder is proposed to be extended to deal with larger planes. There may be sea platforms.”
Agatti runway extension Plan
A B737/A320 can seat up to 189 passengers in all economic system configurations. The Agatti runway extension plan has been held up because of inexperience issues. Comments had been sought from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on the new plans that take care of the one’s worries and are awaited until the time of going to press. Smaller planes have way lower capacity and higher charges.
Conclusion
Lakshadweep plans to enhance aerial connectivity with a dual-use airfield in Minicoy for civilian and army purposes, accommodating Airbus A320/Boeing 737-length planes and fighter jets. The extension of Agatti’s airstrip can even permit A320s to function there. Taj lodges will open new branches in Suheli and Kadmat islands by 2026, and the management is selling cruise tourism. The mandatory e-permit procedure has been shifted online.
