Lakshadweep is a group of islands lying scattered in the Arabian Sea. Its location is between 8 degree and 12 degree 30 minutes North Latitude and between 71 degree and 74 degree at a distance ranging from 200 kms (111 Nm) to 400 kms(222 Nm) from the south west coast of Indian Peninsula. All islands are surrounded by lagoons which are fenced by coral reefs all around. These reefs provide a natural shelter from rough seas, besides adding beauty to the islands.
The only agriculture crop sufficiently cultivated in these islands is Coconut. Fishing is the another trade that the people are mostly engaged in. Cultivation of other crops like vegetables and fruits are only nominal. The area of the islands itself is not sufficient to take up the agriculture activities in large scale. Again the limitation of space and the environmental peculiarities of the islands do not permit for any industrial establishment. Therefore, the people here have to depend fully to the mainland for each and every requirement for their existence. From a hair pin to construction materials has to be imported to the islands from mainland.
With the increase in the population and their propensity to travel between the islands as well as mainland, the traditional vessels became incapable of meeting the increased demands. After the territory becoming directly under the Central Government in the year 1956 the administrative machinery have been striving to enhance the facilities of travel and transportation of Cargo to these islands. The Central Government, has always been enormously benevolent. It was in 1980 a full fledged Department of Port was established under the Administration of the Union territory.
The Department of Port, Shipping & Aviation in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep is responsible for managing all aspects of maritime transport within the territory and oversees various activities related to Port operation & developments, Shipping services, and air travel. The Department plays a crucial role in the development and management of Lakshadweep’s maritime infrastructure, supporting the local economy and community – hence the lifeline.
A. Services:
- Shipping:
The Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration currently owns 5 all-weather passenger ships plying between the mainland and Islands and inter-island. In addition, the Administration also owns 6 High Speed Crafts for Inter-Island connectivity during fair weather season, from 15th September to 15th May. The All-Weather Passenger ships operate between the Mainland and the Islands whereas the High-Speed Crafts operate primarily between the Islands and during requisite times also operate between the Islands and the Mainland.
GOVERNMENT SHIPS, HIGH-SPEED CRAFTS AND CARGO BARGES:
| S.No | Name of the Ship | Type of Ship | Capacity | |
| Passenger (Nos) | Cargo (Tonnes) | |||
| 1 | M.V.Kavaratti | All weather | 700 | 160 |
| 2 | M.V.Arabian Sea | All weather | 250 | 100 |
| 3 | M.V.Lakshadweep Sea | All weather | 250 | 100 |
| 4 | M.V.Corals | All weather | 400 | 250 |
| 5 | M.V.Lagoons | All weather | 400 | 250 |
| 6 | HSC Cheriyapani | Fair Weather | 150 | NA |
| 7 | HSC Valiyapani | Fair Weather | 150 | NA |
| 8 | HSC Parali | Fair Weather | 150 | NA |
| 9 | HSC Blue Marlin | Fair Weather | 50 | NA |
| 10 | HSC Black Marlin | Fair Weather | 50 | NA |
| 11 | HSC Skip Jack | Fair Weather | 50 | NA |
| 12 | MV Laccadives | Cargo vessel | Nil | 600 |
| 13 | MV Thinnakara | Cargo vessel | Nil | 600 |
| 14 | MV Sagar Samraj | Cargo vessel | Nil | 800 |
| 15 | MV Sagar Yuvraj | Cargo vessel | Nil | 800 |
| 16 | MT Thilakkam | Oil Tanker | Nil | 700 |
| 17 | MV Kodithala | Oil Barge | Nil | 150 |
| 18 | M.V. Elikapeni | LPG carrier | Nil | 2000 LPG Cyl/300 barrels |
| 19 | MV Ganga LPG | LPG carrier | Nil | 2000 LPG Cyl/300 barrels |
| 20 | MV Kiltan | Bollard Tug | 10T Pull Power | |
| 21 | MV Kiltan | |||
2. Aviation:
Helicopter service: The Administration is operating Helicopter services on lease from Pawan Hans Helicopters for emergency medical evacuation, Administrative requirements and SAR operation. The helicopter service is also provided to connect flight passengers from Kavaratti (Headquarter island) to Agatti, during monsoon period, when the service of inter-island vessels are withdrawn. At present 3 Nos. Dauphin N helicopters are in service.
Helipads are available in Kavaratti, Andrott, Kalpeni, Kadmat, Amini, Kiltan, Chetlat, Bitra, Minicoy, Suheli and Bangaram. Kavaratti is base of operation with hanger facilities and refuelling. Refuelling facility is also available at Agatti Airport and Minicoy island.
Flight service: Air service is provided by flights operated to Agatti Airport, the only Airport in Lakshadweep. At present Alliance Air and Indigo are operating flights (ATR-72) between Kochi-Agatti on daily basis. Also, flights are operated between Goa-Agatti Fly91 and between Bengaluru-Agatti by Indigo.
Flight service under RCS-UDAN: As per the Tripartie MoU on Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN, Airports Authority of India, AAI (Implementing Agency) has awarded following routes under UDAN 5.0 connecting Agatti Airport.
| Operator | Network | Route |
| Spice Jet Limited | Bangalore-Agatti-Chennai-Bangalore-Agatti |
|
| Just Udo Aviation Pvt. Ltd. | Pune-Goa-Agatti-Bangalore-Agatti-Goa-Pune |
|
- M/s.Just Udo Aviation Pvt. Ltd. (Fly91) has commenced flight service between Goa-Agatti-Goa as per award under UDAN 5.0 from 18th April, 2024
- In addition to the above, Indigo Airlines has started flights between Bengaluru – Agatti and also Calicut/Kochi – Agatti from 31.03.2024.
3. UTLA Schemes
Department of Port Shipping & Aviation provides reimbursement under Scholarship schemes for the following courses.
- P.Rating
- Diploma in Notical Science (DNS)
- Graduate Marine Engineering (GME)
