India will invest ₹13,000 crore to construct a new dual use airport under the Great Nicobar Island Development project that will be used both for military and civilian purposes, with construction expected to be completed in five years.
Sources said a feasibility study was carried out to expand the existing airfield at INS Baaz for more robust military purposes but it was not found to be feasible, given the requirement of significant land reclamation and its impact on flora and fauna.
Defence sources said the GNI project is a strategically significant national initiative designed to safeguard India’s maritime interest and the suggestion that the requirements can be met through just the expansion of existing defence assets reflects an incomplete understanding of the nature of maritime power in the Indo Pacific.
“The runway of INS Baaz has recently expanded to 4,500 ft. The expansion of INS Baaz to the desired 10,000 ft requires significant land reclamation and impacts tribal area, flora and fauna,” sources said. The larger runway is needed to operate large transport and surveillance aircraft, besides fighter jets to protect Indian interests, they added.
The Joint User Greenfield and Naval Air Station at GNI will enhance Indian ability to support operations and respond to crises and maintain logistic in a forward location.
