Lakshadweep plans new airport and more hotels

11 Jan 2024 CW Team

Additionally, there is a long-standing plan, spanning two decades, to extend the 1.2-kilometer airstrip in Agatti. If realized, this extension would allow A320s to operate on Agatti, replacing the smaller turboprop planes currently in use. Several major Indian hotel chains express their interest in expanding into Lakshadweep, with Taj already declaring its intention to establish new hotels on Suheli and Kadmat islands by the year 2026. The local administration is also actively promoting cruise tourism to the archipelago in the Arabian Sea.

Union minister G Kishan Reddy urges Indians to become ambassadors for Lakshadweep amid tensions with the Maldives, emphasising the enormous potential the region holds.

Despite these positive developments, there remain challenges in terms of air travel to Lakshadweep. Tickets for flights to the region are sold out until March, underscoring the existing poor connectivity. The Lakshadweep administration claims to have implemented measures to simplify the trip to the archipelago. The mandatory e-permit process has been moved entirely online, and restrictions on tourists from certain areas have been lifted. Previously, travellers, including Indian citizens, were required to pay a fee of Rs 200 at a bank and submit the deposit challan to apply for an entry permit. The new online process ensures that permits can now be issued within a day or two.

The pressing need for improved air connectivity is evident from the fact that Alliance Air, the sole Indian airline operating to Lakshadweep, has completely sold out its Kochi-Agatti-Kochi flights the sole aerial route to the archipelago until March.

In the forthcoming years, there is a possibility of enhanced aerial connectivity between Lakshadweep and mainland India, as well as the rest of the world. This may be facilitated by the proposed construction of a dual-use airfield in Minicoy, designed to cater to both civilian and military needs. The airfield is expected to accommodate planes of the size of Airbus A320 or Boeing 737, as well as fighter jets. Additionally, there is a long-standing plan, spanning two decades, to extend the 1.2-kilometer airstrip in Agatti. If realized, this extension would allow A320s to operate on Agatti, replacing the smaller turboprop planes currently in use. Several major Indian hotel chains express their interest in expanding into Lakshadweep, with Taj already declaring its intention to establish new hotels on Suheli and Kadmat islands by the year 2026. The local administration is also actively promoting cruise tourism to the archipelago in the Arabian Sea. Union minister G Kishan Reddy urges Indians to become ambassadors for Lakshadweep amid tensions with the Maldives, emphasising the enormous potential the region holds. Despite these positive developments, there remain challenges in terms of air travel to Lakshadweep. Tickets for flights to the region are sold out until March, underscoring the existing poor connectivity. The Lakshadweep administration claims to have implemented measures to simplify the trip to the archipelago. The mandatory e-permit process has been moved entirely online, and restrictions on tourists from certain areas have been lifted. Previously, travellers, including Indian citizens, were required to pay a fee of Rs 200 at a bank and submit the deposit challan to apply for an entry permit. The new online process ensures that permits can now be issued within a day or two. The pressing need for improved air connectivity is evident from the fact that Alliance Air, the sole Indian airline operating to Lakshadweep, has completely sold out its Kochi-Agatti-Kochi flights the sole aerial route to the archipelago until March.

Infrastructure Urban

09 Jan 2026

Mount Invests Rs 250 Cr, Adds PUF & PEB Plants, 400+ Jobs

TUMKUR, Karnataka, January 8, 2025 - Mount Roofing & Structures Private Limited, one of India's fastest-growing manufacturers in PUF and a leading solutions provider across Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) and Polycarbonate sheets, simultaneously inaugurated its second fully automated continuous Sandwich Panel manufacturing line and a new PEB manufacturing plant at its integrated campus in Tumkur." The milestone expansion, part of a total investment of INR 250 crores, marks a significant advancement in the company's commitment to engineered performance, manu..

Infrastructure Urban

09 Jan 2026

Titan Intech Strengthens UltraLED Push With Global LED Veteran

Titan Intech has announced the induction of global LED industry veteran Su Piow Ko to its Board of Directors, marking a strategic step in strengthening its UltraLED Displays roadmap and building globally competitive LED display solutions from India.The appointment aligns with Titan Intech’s ambition to position India as a hub for advanced, high-quality LED display manufacturing. With an increased focus on UltraLED Displays, the company aims to enhance technical governance, raise manufacturing standards and expand its presence across global markets.Su Piow Ko brings over three decades of inte..

Infrastructure Urban

09 Jan 2026

Dun & Bradstreet Flags New Growth Engines in India 2026 Outlook

Dun & Bradstreet has released its India 2026: D&B’s Perspective report, projecting a stable macroeconomic environment underpinned by fresh opportunities for productivity-led and inclusive growth. The report outlines how India’s next growth phase will be driven by digitised logistics, trusted data ecosystems, clean energy and rising city vitality.According to the outlook, India’s GDP growth is expected to reach around 6.6 per cent by FY2027, supported by resilient consumer demand and sustained public investment. Manufacturing is seen entering a new phase, moving beyond scale towar..