The Lakshadweep Administration has signed a shipbuilding contract for constructing two passenger-cum-cargo ships with Colombo Dockyard Pvt Ltd.
The contract was signed by Dr Syed Ismail Koya, Director (Port Shipping and Aviation), and Mr Mangala P.B. Yapa, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Colombo Dockyard, in the presence of the Lakshadweep Administrator, Mr Amar Nath.
Two ships
The two vessels are with 400 passenger and 200-tonne cargo capacity.
The first ship will be delivered in 24 months and the second in 28 months.
The procurement of total 800 capacities is yet another milestone in the annals of Lakshadweep and will enhance passenger capacity with flexibility to the requirement, a press release said.
Improved facilities
The Administration has taken the view points of the Lakshadweep people and made efforts to improve facilities for embarkation at sea in the Lakshadweep and at Kochi and overcome difficulties faced by senior citizens, women, children and people coming for medical treatment.
With the delivery of two ships, present constraint faced in the movement of passengers especially during festival time is expected to be resolved, the release said.