The Indian Government Thursday decided to replace the existing administrative structure of ports in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with a new corporate body to increase commercial activities, including attracting foreign direct investment, into the islands.
The existing Port Management Board will be replaced with an Andaman and Nicobar Port Trust, according to a decision taken by the Cabinet Thursday.
The Cabinet approved a proposal by India's Shipping Ministry to disband the existing Port Management Board and transfer its establishment to the proposed trust as the existing set-up of the Board has limited powers to undertake
development work.
The new structure will also encourage tourism, support tsunami rehabilitation programme and undertake various developmental and welfare activities. This will also help in setting up maritime infrastructure to service large vessel and cargo for neighbouring Asean ports, according to an official statement.