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The government is preparing to launch eight major projects to enhance Lakshadweep's connectivity for tourists, aiming to compete with destinations like the Maldives. These projects include upgrading the docking capability for larger vessels in Kavaratti, Agatti, and Minicoy islands, developing passenger facilities with modern amenities on Kalpeni, Kadmath, and Androth islands, and building open jetties that can accommodate even cruise ships at Kalpeni and Kadmat islands. The first project, worth 303 crore rupees, will start soon with the construction of jetties and land-based facilities on Kadmat Island, for which tenders have been invited. The goal is to develop a multi-purpose jetty that can handle all the passenger vessels operating in the Lakshadweep islands, improving connectivity, safety, and accessibility for tourists.

The proposed project aims to enhance shipping services and ensure safe handling of passengers and cargo throughout the year. This initiative is expected to be a significant game-changer. The first project involves constructing jetties, landside facilities, and associated facilities on the Eastern and Western sides of Kadmat Island, which is approximately 407 kilometers from Kochi. Kadmath is the largest inhabited island in the Amindivi group, located in the center of the Lakshadweep islands, with an area of 3.34 square kilometers, a length of 9.3 kilometers, and a width of 0.57 kilometers.

The planned open eastern jetty in Kadmath will be a multipurpose jetty that can accommodate all berthing requirements for passenger vessels and cruise ships. The jetty will be 360 meters long, allowing for the berthing of cruise vessels. Additionally, a passenger waiting hall with modern facilities and a separate transit area for arrivals and departures will be constructed, meeting world-class standards. The development of landside facilities, including a passenger facilitation center with modern amenities on both the eastern and western sides, as well as warehouses in Kalpeni, Kadmath, and Androth, is also part of the project. Furthermore, the existing eastern jetties in Kavaratti, Agatti, and Minicoy islands will be expanded to accommodate larger vessels.

The given text describes the development and improvements of various jetties and related infrastructure in the Lakshadweep islands. This includes the construction of an open eastern jetty at Kalpeni and Kadmath that can accommodate even large cruise ships, the development of western jetties in these islands, the refurbishment and extension of the breakwater in Androth, the creation of a multimodal jetty and a Navy jetty in Androth, and the development of slipways and associated facilities at Kalpeni, Kadmath, and Androth.

The Sagarmala Programme and Lakshadweep's own funds largely finance these developments. Cochin Port Authority is providing technical support as the Project Management Consultant, while Assystem India Limited, Chennai, has prepared a Detailed Project Report to study the requirements. Lakshadweep is a small union territory in India, consisting of coral islands and reefs, with a total land area of about 32 square kilometers. These beautiful and untouched islands are surrounded by about 4,200 square kilometers of territorial sea. Lakshadweep has 10 inhabited islands, 17 uninhabited islands, and several attached islets, newly formed islets, and submerged reefs. They are scattered in the Arabian Sea, located 220 to 440 kilometers off the west coast of Kerala. Visitors require a permit from the Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration to access the islands. People here rely mainly on water transport to move between the islands and the mainland. In addition to passengers, all essential goods, including medical supplies, food, construction materials, clothing, and stationery, are brought from the mainland, either Cochin, Beypore, or Mangalore.

The people of Lakshadweep rely on the mainland for specialized medical care and higher education. Additionally, a large number of tourists visit the islands, primarily by ship, during the non-monsoon season. Furthermore, the islands' export products, such as coconuts and fish, are transported to the mainland using water transportation. In essence, shipping services are crucial to the livelihood of the Lakshadweep community.