Great Nicobar dual-use airport likely to be 'ready in 5 years'; 'project has strategic and economic benefits for India

India is developing a strategic hub on the Great Nicobar Islands (GNI), featuring a dual-use greenfield airport under Indian Navy control, an international transshipment port, a township, and a power plant. Estimated at Rs 81,000 crore, the project aims to enhance maritime domain awareness and operational outreach in the south-eastern Indian Ocean Region, according to defence sources.

Why is the Great Nicobar Islands project strategically important?

The GNI is located just 40 km from the Six Degree Channel, a critical sea trade route stretching from the Gulf of Aden to the Malacca Straits. Defence sources note that two-thirds of the world’s oil and half of all container traffic pass through this sensitive area.

The project allows India to sustain its presence and monitor forward logistics in a theatre of interest where regional and extra-regional powers have increased their military footprint. Sources added that the location is even more critical due to potentially important hydrocarbon deposits in the surrounding seas.

Did You Know? The Great Nicobar Islands project is situated near a trade route so vital that it handles half of the world’s container traffic and two-thirds of its oil shipments.

What is included in the Rs 81,000 crore development plan?

The holistic development of GNI comprises four interlinked projects. This includes a greenfield airfield and naval air station, an International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP), a new township, and a power plant.

The greenfield airport, approved by the Cabinet last November, is expected to be ready within five years. Defence sources state the facility will be under the operational control of the Indian Navy for both civilian and military purposes.

Why was the INS Baaz site rejected for the airport?

Officials considered developing the existing runway at INS Baaz as a brownfield project but dropped the idea due to physical limitations. The site is dominated by a northern hill feature exceeding 80m in height.

Safe aviation for wide-bodied aircraft would have required significant hill cutting and dredging of the shallow coastline. Additionally, the site offered limited scope for the expansion required for an international airport.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the shift from a brownfield expansion at INS Baaz to a greenfield project reflects a prioritization of long-term scalability over short-term convenience. By avoiding the geographical constraints of the 80m hill, India is positioning the GNI as a high-capacity logistics hub rather than a limited outpost.

How will the project impact the environment?

An environmental impact assessment indicates that 166.1 sq. km. has been designated for development. Approximately 81.74% of the island area will remain protected under national parks, the Great Nicobar biosphere reserve, forests, and tribal conservation areas.

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The project requires the diversion of 130.75 sq. km. of forest land, though more than half of this will be retained as green area with no tree felling. Ownership of non-forest land will remain with the government under the Forest Conservation Rules 2023.

To protect local wildlife, a dedicated conservation programme costing Rs 2,220.41 crore over 30 years has been provisioned. This fund targets the protection of Leatherback Turtles, Nicobar Megapodes, and Crocodiles, while facilitating mangrove restoration and coral conservation.

What happens next for the GNI projects?

The International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP) may move forward following a public-private partnership appraisal and the submission of a draft cabinet note to the finance ministry.

The township project could progress after a recent expenditure finance committee meeting. Meanwhile, the LNG-based power project is likely to move toward implementation once the detailed project report is cleared by the NTPC board.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total estimated cost of the GNI projects?
The total cost for the four projects—the airfield, transshipment port, township, and power plant—is estimated at Rs 81,000 crore.

Who will control the new greenfield airport?
The airport will be under the operational control of the Indian Navy and will serve dual civilian and military purposes.

How much of the island will remain protected?
According to the environmental impact assessment, 81.74% of the island area will continue to be protected as forests, national parks, tribal conservation areas, and the Great Nicobar biosphere reserve.

Do you believe the strategic benefits of the Great Nicobar development outweigh the environmental challenges?

Great Nicobar dual-use airport likely to be ‘ready in 5 years’; ‘project has strategic and economic benefits for India