74th Independence Day: On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a submarine optical fiber cable
(OFC) that connects Andaman & Nicobar Islands to the mainland, enabling access to cheaper and better telecommunications connectivity in the territory of the Country. On 30 December 2018, the Prime Minister laid the groundwork for linking Chennai-Andaman and Nicobar Islands (CANI) with optical fiber. As part of the project, a 2,300-km submarine cable was laid. Services began on Monday on a major chunk of the islands from Chennai to Port Blair, Port Blair to Little Andaman, and Port Blair to Swaraj Island.
The Prime Minister said the islands of Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) felt the need for years but no steps have been taken to fulfill it. “Providing better and cheap connectivity to the people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands is the responsibility of the country,” Modi said. The PM said the government is committed to providing modern facilities to every citizen and every sector so that there can be better ease of living.
The PM said the submarine cable will help A&N get cheaper and better connectivity and all of Digital India’s
benefits, particularly in improving online education, telemedicine, banking system, online trading and
tourism boost.
He further said the Indian Ocean has been the center of India’s trade and strategic prowess for thousands of years and that Andaman & Nicobar is an important center for India’s Economic-Strategic Cooperation.
Modi said under the Act East policy, the role of A&N in India’s strong relations with East Asian countries and other countries connected to the sea is very high and is going to increase. The PM said high impact projects are being expanded in 12 islands of Andaman and Nicobar. Apart from providing for better internet and mobile connectivity, he said the effort is to further improve physical connectivity through road, air, and water.
