The government has invested Rs 300 billion in the last eight years in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and investments of over Rs 100 billion are in the pipeline, Union Minister L Murugan said.

Addressing a press conference, Murugan said a transhipment hub, a greenfield international airport, a township, and a diesel and solar power plant have been planned as part of the proposed mega infrastructure project on the Great Nicobar Island.

The minister added that in the last eight years, the government has invested more than Rs 300 billion in the development of the islands, and investments worth Rs 100 billion are in the pipeline. This will not only generate a lot of employment opportunities for the local youth but will also boost the economy.

The minister expressed satisfaction with the implementation of central projects by the local administration. Further, nearly 62,000 water connections have been provided and more than 95 per cent of work for 1,338 houses under the PM Awas Yojana is complete. In the aviation sector, around Rs 7.10 billion is being invested in the islands. A detailed project report is being prepared for a fishing harbour at Mayabunder.