The BJP has accused the Congress of obstructing the Centre’s “Great Nicobar” project in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, arguing that the plan would strengthen India’s maritime trade and security while helping check China’s dominance in the Indo-Pacific region.
Union ministers have highlighted a sharp rise in infrastructure spending under the Narendra Modi-led government. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said total capital expenditure increased from Rs 1.88 lakh crore in 2014 to Rs 11 lakh crore in 2026.
However, several large central projects face delays due to land acquisition hurdles, environmental clearances and project management challenges. Experts cited efficient administration, advance planning and coordinated public-private participation as key to completing stalled projects faster.
The Great Nicobar project, estimated at Rs 81,000 crore, is being implemented through an integrated development plan for the islands. It includes an international container transshipment terminal, a green airport for civilian and military use, a new township and a power generation facility, with expectations that the airport could significantly boost tourism.
The Centre has said it cleared the project after detailed studies on environmental impact. The project site is expected to be about 150 km from the Malacca Strait and is projected to reduce reliance on foreign ports such as Singapore and Colombo. Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has criticised the plan as a “disaster in the name of development,” while opposition parties have raised concerns about forest loss, tree felling and the displacement of tribal communities—claims the BJP says are being used to block development.
