Lakshadweep, Jan 12:
Lakshadweep, known for its stunning beaches, has struggled as a tourism destination thanks to
cumbersome procedures to obtain entry permits and poor air connectivity. Previously, travellers had to go
through a time-consuming offline process to pay a fee of ₹200 for e-permits. While the application
process for e-permits is now online, the limited number of flights and sub-standard accommodation
facilities have played spoilsport with the islands’ tourist arrivals.
However, all these things are going to change, and the Centre’s new initiatives to boost Lakshadweep’s
infrastructure are likely to give a shot in the arm to the region’s tourism industry.
The administration has simplified the entry permit process for island travel by introducing digital e-
permits. Previously, obtaining a permit involved bank payment and paperwork, but now tourists can
easily apply online and receive their e-permits within a day or two, making the process much more
convenient.
Alliance Air’s flights, the sole airline operating in the region, are sold out until March, reflecting the poor
state of air connectivity to the islands. Currently, Alliance Air operates a 70-seater turboprop ATR-72 daily
to Lakshadweep and in comparison, there are about 60 weekly flights to the Maldives from various Indian
cities. However, the airline is now considering increasing its fleet.
