Indian Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced that Andaman and Nicobar Island's capital, Port Blair, has been renamed as "Sri Vijaya Puram".

Shah said that the earlier name of the city had a colonial legacy, while the new name symbolises the victory achieved in the freedom struggle.

"Inspired by the vision of PM Narendra Modi Ji, to free the nation from the colonial imprints, today we have decided to rename Port Blair as 'Sri Vijaya Puram.' While the earlier name had a colonial legacy, Sri Vijaya Puram symbolises the victory achieved in our freedom struggle and the A&amp;N Islands' unique role in the same," the Home Minister posted on X.

"Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands have an unparalleled place in our freedom struggle and history. The island territory that once served as the naval base of the Chola Empire is today poised to be the critical base for our strategic and development aspirations. It is also the place that hosted the first unfurling of our Tiranga by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Ji and also the cellular jail in which Veer Savarkar Ji and other freedom fighters struggled for an independent nation," he added.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced that Andaman and Nicobar Island's capital, Port Blair, has been renamed as "Sri Vijaya Puram". Shah said that the earlier name of the city had a colonial legacy, while the new name symbolises the victory achieved in the freedom struggle.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced that Andaman and Nicobar Island's capital, Port Blair, has been renamed as "Sri Vijaya Puram". Shah said that the earlier name of the city had a colonial legacy, while the new name symbolises the victory achieved in the freedom struggle. "Inspired by the vision of PM Narendra Modi Ji, to free the nation from the colonial imprints, today we have decided to rename Port Blair as 'Sri Vijaya Puram.' While the earlier name had a colonial legacy, Sri Vijaya Puram symbolises the victory achieved in our freedom struggle and the A&N Islands' unique role in the same," the Home Minister posted on X. "Andaman & Nicobar Islands have an unparalleled place in our freedom struggle and history. The island territory that once served as the naval base of the Chola Empire is today poised to be the critical base for our strategic and development aspirations. It is also the place that hosted the first unfurling of our Tiranga by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Ji and also the cellular jail in which Veer Savarkar Ji and other freedom fighters struggled for an independent nation," he added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India renames Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar's capital, as 'Sri Vijaya Puram'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to virtually inaugurate the newly constructed integrated terminal building at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The inauguration is set to take place on 18 July, media reports said citing the Prime Minister's Office.

The new integrated terminal building, constructed at an approximate cost of ₹710 crore (Rs. 7.1 billion), will have a crucial role in enhancing the connectivity of the union territory. It has a total built-up area of around 40,800 sqm and the terminal has the capacity to handle approximately five million passengers annually.

<h2>Ample space for aircraft parking</h2>

In addition to the terminal building, an apron has been built at Port Blair airport, designed to accommodate two Boeing-767-400 and two Airbus-321 types of aircraft simultaneously. This development, costing ₹80 crore (Rs. 0.8 billion), enables the airport to park up to 10 aircraft at a time, further improving its operational efficiency, said the Prime Minister's Office.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smoke-rising-canadian-wildfires-places-60-million-us-residents-under-air-quality-alerts-616431">Smoke from Canadian wildfires places 60 million US residents under air quality alerts</a>

The airport terminal's design draws inspiration from nature, taking the shape of a shell to represent the sea and islands of the region. This unique architectural approach adds a distinctive charm to the airport.

<h2>Sustainability features for environmental impact</h2>

The new terminal incorporates several sustainability features to minimise its negative impact on the environment.

These features include a double insulated roofing system to reduce heat gain, skylights to maximise natural sunlight during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting, and the use of LED lighting and low heat gain glazing.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-muscle-to-chinas-aircraft-carrier-groups-as-it-plans-to-add-two-multi-role-frigates-616495">More muscle to China's aircraft carrier groups as it plans to add two multi-role frigates</a>

The terminal building utilises a rainwater catchment system to store water in an underground tank and an on-site sewage treatment plant.

The treated wastewater from the plant is fully used for landscaping purposes.

Watch | UK Public spending watchdog publishes report on Tory Pledge

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-public-spending-watchdog-publishes-report-on-tory-pledge-616519/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Additionally, the terminal boasts a 500 KW capacity solar power plant, contributing to a cleaner and greener approach to energy consumption.

<h2>Promoting tourism and economic growth</h2>

Port Blair is a highly sought-after tourist hotspot in the Andaman and Nicobar. The recently constructed expansive terminal building is expected to have a significant impact on air traffic and, in turn, tourism in the area.&nbsp;

Not only will it attract more visitors, but it will also generate employment opportunities for the local residents, thereby giving a much-needed boost to the region's economy.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to virtually inaugurate the newly constructed integrated terminal building at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to virtually inaugurate the newly constructed integrated terminal building at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The inauguration is set to take place on 18 July, media reports said citing the Prime Minister's Office. The new integrated terminal building, constructed at an approximate cost of ₹710 crore (Rs. 7.1 billion), will have a crucial role in enhancing the connectivity of the union territory. It has a total built-up area of around 40,800 sqm and the terminal has the capacity to handle approximately five million passengers annually. Ample space for aircraft parking In addition to the terminal building, an apron has been built at Port Blair airport, designed to accommodate two Boeing-767-400 and two Airbus-321 types of aircraft simultaneously. This development, costing ₹80 crore (Rs. 0.8 billion), enables the airport to park up to 10 aircraft at a time, further improving its operational efficiency, said the Prime Minister's Office. Also Read | Smoke from Canadian wildfires places 60 million US residents under air quality alerts The airport terminal's design draws inspiration from nature, taking the shape of a shell to represent the sea and islands of the region. This unique architectural approach adds a distinctive charm to the airport. Sustainability features for environmental impact The new terminal incorporates several sustainability features to minimise its negative impact on the environment. These features include a double insulated roofing system to reduce heat gain, skylights to maximise natural sunlight during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting, and the use of LED lighting and low heat gain glazing. Also Read | More muscle to China's aircraft carrier groups as it plans to add two multi-role frigates The terminal building utilises a rainwater catchment system to store water in an underground tank and an on-site sewage treatment plant. The treated wastewater from the plant is fully used for landscaping purposes. Watch | UK Public spending watchdog publishes report on Tory Pledge × Additionally, the terminal boasts a 500 KW capacity solar power plant, contributing to a cleaner and greener approach to energy consumption. Promoting tourism and economic growth Port Blair is a highly sought-after tourist hotspot in the Andaman and Nicobar. The recently constructed expansive terminal building is expected to have a significant impact on air traffic and, in turn, tourism in the area. Not only will it attract more visitors, but it will also generate employment opportunities for the local residents, thereby giving a much-needed boost to the region's economy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

PM Modi to virtually inaugurate new integrated terminal at Port Blair airport

In a swift and coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation that involved multiple vessels, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued nine crew off a sinking tug, near Port Blair. This operation was carried out late on Wednesday, a few hours after the information regarding the vessel in distress was received.&nbsp;

On June 23, the ICG received a distress call from Tug Ganga-1&nbsp;that was nearly 30 nautical miles southeast of Port Blair. The 9-crewed tug had left from Port Blair on Tuesday noon, towing a barge loaded with construction material and was to arrive at Hutbay in the early hours of Wednesday. But it had activated a distress signal owing to flooding in the engine room, while on the way.&nbsp;

Due to uncontrolled flooding, the crew abandoned the Tug and took shelter onboard the attached barge. The distress call information was shared with concerned authorities at Port Blair, following which ships ICGS C-146 and ICGS C-412 on routine deployment were immediately diverted for assistance.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Tug-Ganga" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa89f26a-563b-470f-a406-7352f7304748" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tug%20Ganga-1-PIB.jpg" /> 
 
(Picture courtesy: Press Information Bureau)

CGS Durgabai Deshmukh and PMB Tug ‘Ocean Marvel’ sailed from Port Blair with a damage control team and de-flooding equipment for immediate assistance. While the crew were safe, one member who suffered a leg injury was evacuated by Coast Guard Ship C-146 and taken to a hospital.&nbsp;

ICG ships that attempted to save the sinking vessel realized that it was dangerous, risky to board it owing to heavy flooding and adverse sea conditions. Owing to water weight, the tug had titled to its port (left) side and its aft(rear portion) had gone lower into the water than usual.

Despite PMB Tug Ocean Marvel towing the distressed vessel towards Port Blair with ICG ships in escort, the distressed tug sank off Cinque island, in a region where the depth was more than 1500meters. All crew of the sunken ship were embarked onboard Tug Ocean Marvel and brought to Port Blair late on Wednesday.

In a swift and coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation that involved multiple vessels, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued nine crew off a sinking tug, near Port Blair.

In a swift and coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation that involved multiple vessels, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued nine crew off a sinking tug, near Port Blair. This operation was carried out late on Wednesday, a few hours after the information regarding the vessel in distress was received. On June 23, the ICG received a distress call from Tug Ganga-1 that was nearly 30 nautical miles southeast of Port Blair. The 9-crewed tug had left from Port Blair on Tuesday noon, towing a barge loaded with construction material and was to arrive at Hutbay in the early hours of Wednesday. But it had activated a distress signal owing to flooding in the engine room, while on the way. Due to uncontrolled flooding, the crew abandoned the Tug and took shelter onboard the attached barge. The distress call information was shared with concerned authorities at Port Blair, following which ships ICGS C-146 and ICGS C-412 on routine deployment were immediately diverted for assistance. (Picture courtesy: Press Information Bureau) CGS Durgabai Deshmukh and PMB Tug ‘Ocean Marvel’ sailed from Port Blair with a damage control team and de-flooding equipment for immediate assistance. While the crew were safe, one member who suffered a leg injury was evacuated by Coast Guard Ship C-146 and taken to a hospital. ICG ships that attempted to save the sinking vessel realized that it was dangerous, risky to board it owing to heavy flooding and adverse sea conditions. Owing to water weight, the tug had titled to its port (left) side and its aft(rear portion) had gone lower into the water than usual. Despite PMB Tug Ocean Marvel towing the distressed vessel towards Port Blair with ICG ships in escort, the distressed tug sank off Cinque island, in a region where the depth was more than 1500meters. All crew of the sunken ship were embarked onboard Tug Ocean Marvel and brought to Port Blair late on Wednesday.

Nine crew members rescued from sinking vessel off Port Blair, says Indian Coast Guard 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (July 10) inaugurated the submarine Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) connecting Chennai and Port Blair, via video conferencing.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates submarine optical fibre cable connecting Port Blair and Chennai

As cyclone ‘Pabuk’ weakened into a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/orange-alert-for-andaman-due-to-cyclone-pabuk-188503">deep depression on Monday</a>, the Directorate of Shipping Services informed locals and tourists that vessel services will remain suspended at Port Blair on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Passenger vessels plying in between<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-pabuk-meteorological-department-warns-fishermen-against-going-to-sea-188427"> Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep</a>, Shaheed Dweep and Baratang will remain suspended due to heavy rains caused by the deep depression.&nbsp;

On the other hand, service of vehicle ferry vessels in the route between Chatham - Bambooflat, Chatham - Dundas Point will also remain suspended on Tuesday. However, harbour ferry services will remain normal subject to the prevailing weather conditions.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, two Port Blair flights were delayed due to bad weather.&nbsp;

Some airlines have even issued advisories that no extra fare will be charged for cancellation of flights due to bad weather.&nbsp;

Vistara airlines in its advisory said, “Flights landing and departing out of Port Blair in between January 5-8 may get impacted by Cyclone Pabuk. We will waive change and cancel fees for all passengers who request it. Only fare difference, if any, will be applicable for date changes.”&nbsp;

On the other hand, the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted more rains for Andamans over the next 12 hours.&nbsp;

“Rainfall at most places with heavy rainfall very likely at isolated places over Andaman Islands during next 12 hours. Squally wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is very likely to prevail over east-central Bay of Bengal, Andaman Islands and adjoining Andaman Sea and southeast Bay of Bengal during next 12 hours. It is likely to become 35-45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph from the morning of January 8th&nbsp;and decrease further thereafter,” said the last weather bulletin on Monday evening.&nbsp;

The weather bulletin issued by the &nbsp;Indian Meteorological Department also asked the fishermen not to venture into deep seas as the sea conditions will remain rough.&nbsp;

“Sea condition is very likely to be rough to very rough over east-central and adjoining south east Bay of Bengal, around Andaman Islands during next 12 hours and will be rough during subsequent 12 hours. Fishermen are advised not to venture into east-central Bay of Bengal, north Andaman Sea and adjoining south-east Bay of Bengal during next 24 hours,” said the bulletin.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As cyclone ‘Pabuk’ weakened into a deep depression on Monday, the Directorate of Shipping Services informed locals and tourists that vessel services will remain suspended at Port Blair on Tuesday.

As cyclone ‘Pabuk’ weakened into a deep depression on Monday, the Directorate of Shipping Services informed locals and tourists that vessel services will remain suspended at Port Blair on Tuesday. Passenger vessels plying in between Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and Baratang will remain suspended due to heavy rains caused by the deep depression. On the other hand, service of vehicle ferry vessels in the route between Chatham - Bambooflat, Chatham - Dundas Point will also remain suspended on Tuesday. However, harbour ferry services will remain normal subject to the prevailing weather conditions. Earlier in the day, two Port Blair flights were delayed due to bad weather. Some airlines have even issued advisories that no extra fare will be charged for cancellation of flights due to bad weather. Vistara airlines in its advisory said, “Flights landing and departing out of Port Blair in between January 5-8 may get impacted by Cyclone Pabuk. We will waive change and cancel fees for all passengers who request it. Only fare difference, if any, will be applicable for date changes.” On the other hand, the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted more rains for Andamans over the next 12 hours. “Rainfall at most places with heavy rainfall very likely at isolated places over Andaman Islands during next 12 hours. Squally wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is very likely to prevail over east-central Bay of Bengal, Andaman Islands and adjoining Andaman Sea and southeast Bay of Bengal during next 12 hours. It is likely to become 35-45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph from the morning of January 8th and decrease further thereafter,” said the last weather bulletin on Monday evening. The weather bulletin issued by the Indian Meteorological Department also asked the fishermen not to venture into deep seas as the sea conditions will remain rough. “Sea condition is very likely to be rough to very rough over east-central and adjoining south east Bay of Bengal, around Andaman Islands during next 12 hours and will be rough during subsequent 12 hours. Fishermen are advised not to venture into east-central Bay of Bengal, north Andaman Sea and adjoining south-east Bay of Bengal during next 24 hours,” said the bulletin.

Cyclone 'Pabuk': Ferry services to remain suspended at Port Blair due to heavy rains

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bhutan-agree-on-mangdechhu-tariff-as-india-announces-rs-4500-cr-for-bhutanese-5-year-plan-187007">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> will launch several of infrastructure projects in Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Sunday.&nbsp;

He will reach Port Blair Saturday evening and will visit the Tsunami Memorial at Car Nicobar the following day.

The prime minister will lay a wreath at the memorial and light a candle at the Wall of Lost Souls, a statement from his office said.&nbsp;

He will then inaugurate an industrial training institute at Arong and lay the foundation stone for some infrastructure projects. The prime minister will also address a public meeting, it said.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will lay a wreath at the Martyrs Column at Port Blair and will visit the Cellular Jail in the city.&nbsp;

Modi will hoist the high mast flag at South Point, Port Blair. He will pay floral tributes at statue of Subhash Chandra Bose at Marina Park in Port Blair, the statement said. At the Netaji Stadium, the prime minister will release a commemorative postal stamp, coin and first day cover to mark the 75th anniversary of the hoisting of the tricolour on Indian soil by Bose.&nbsp;

He will also release the innovation and start-up policy for the islands.

The prime minister will inaugurate a 7 MW solar power plant, and solar village. He will also lay the foundation stone for a number of development projects and address a gathering, the statement said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch several of infrastructure projects in Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Sunday. He will reach Port Blair Saturday evening and will visit the Tsunami Memorial at Car Nicobar the following day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch several of infrastructure projects in Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Sunday. He will reach Port Blair Saturday evening and will visit the Tsunami Memorial at Car Nicobar the following day. The prime minister will lay a wreath at the memorial and light a candle at the Wall of Lost Souls, a statement from his office said. He will then inaugurate an industrial training institute at Arong and lay the foundation stone for some infrastructure projects. The prime minister will also address a public meeting, it said. Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will lay a wreath at the Martyrs Column at Port Blair and will visit the Cellular Jail in the city. Modi will hoist the high mast flag at South Point, Port Blair. He will pay floral tributes at statue of Subhash Chandra Bose at Marina Park in Port Blair, the statement said. At the Netaji Stadium, the prime minister will release a commemorative postal stamp, coin and first day cover to mark the 75th anniversary of the hoisting of the tricolour on Indian soil by Bose. He will also release the innovation and start-up policy for the islands. The prime minister will inaugurate a 7 MW solar power plant, and solar village. He will also lay the foundation stone for a number of development projects and address a gathering, the statement said.

PM Modi to launch series of infra projects for Andaman and Nicobar Islands

INS Sahyadri, a Shivalik-class stealth multi-role frigate built for the Indian Navy, will be leading the Milan naval exercise 2018 at Port Blair.

Milan is a multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy under the aegis of the Andaman and Nicobar Command.&nbsp;

The biennial event is held in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and features professional exercises and seminars, social events and sporting fixtures between participating nations.

Divulging details on INS Sahyadri, its Commanding officer captain Jaggi informed that it is a front-line warship of the eastern fleet which is indigenously constructed by our very Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.&nbsp;

Formerly called Mazagon Dock Limited, it manufactures warships and submarines for the Indian Navy and offshore platforms and associated support vessels for offshore oil drilling.

The ship has all the capabilities to take on an adversary in all the three dimensions whether it is surface, air or sub-surface.

So in a fit, the ship has missiles which are fit for taking an air target.&nbsp;

They have sonar, under-water sensors and weapons to take on a submarine.&nbsp;

It is one of the best stealth frigate ships which Indian Navy possess.&nbsp;

A stealth ship is one which employs stealth technology construction techniques in an effort to ensure that it is harder to detect by one or more of radar, visual, sonar, and infrared methods.

 
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xrkoQTZ-4Oo" width="560"></iframe> 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Milan is a multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy

INS Sahyadri, a Shivalik-class stealth multi-role frigate built for the Indian Navy, will be leading the Milan naval exercise 2018 at Port Blair. Milan is a multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy under the aegis of the Andaman and Nicobar Command. The biennial event is held in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and features professional exercises and seminars, social events and sporting fixtures between participating nations. Divulging details on INS Sahyadri, its Commanding officer captain Jaggi informed that it is a front-line warship of the eastern fleet which is indigenously constructed by our very Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. Formerly called Mazagon Dock Limited, it manufactures warships and submarines for the Indian Navy and offshore platforms and associated support vessels for offshore oil drilling. The ship has all the capabilities to take on an adversary in all the three dimensions whether it is surface, air or sub-surface. So in a fit, the ship has missiles which are fit for taking an air target. They have sonar, under-water sensors and weapons to take on a submarine. It is one of the best stealth frigate ships which Indian Navy possess. A stealth ship is one which employs stealth technology construction techniques in an effort to ensure that it is harder to detect by one or more of radar, visual, sonar, and infrared methods.

Watch: INS Sahyadri to lead 2018 Milan naval exercise at Port Blair

port-blair

Port Blair, News on Port Blair, stories on Port Blair, articles on Port Blair, Port Blair stories at Wion, Port Blair news, Port Blair latest news

port blair