Tender for the first phase of the International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) in Galathea Bay, Andaman Nicobar Island, is set to be released next month.

“Tenders would be floated in the next 30-40 days or so, and construction should begin some three months after that...by this year, work should start on the Galathea Bay port project,” an official from the Shipping Ministry.

According to officials, the detailed project report for the transshipment port is prepared, and all necessary approvals are in place. Additionally, the project has received in-principle approval from the Department of Expenditure under the Union Ministry of Finance, and environmental clearances have also been obtained.

The Great Nicobar Project, which is likely to come up over 130 sq km of pristine forest, was accorded environmental clearance by an expert committee on 11 November last year. Additionally, stage 1 forest clearance has been received.

The development of the mega container terminal is part of the Island Development program, which envisages the holistic development of the Great Nicobar Island.