IDA to procure 22 passenger vessels

Islands Development Authority (IDA) has proposed to procure 22 passenger vessels at an investment of about Rs 500 crore to meet the requirement of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.

"Both these islands need 150-250 capacity passenger vessels, so we had proposed to the government to acquire 22 such vessels during this plan period. The government too has in-principle agreed," P P Koya, member, IDA, and member of Parliament from Lakshadweep Islands, told mediapersons here on Saturday.

IDA had given construction orders for 22 passenger vessels including a passenger vessel of 750 capacity to Vizag-based Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL). But due to shortage of working capital, HSL was unable to complete some of the vessels on time.

IDA had requested the government for approval of a revival package for HSL, which was pending with the government for the last several years, he said.

He said that in future, IDA will give orders to HSL, provided the government approves the revival package. Later, Koya inspected the progress of the 750-capacity passenger vessel which is under construction.