Building a resort on a serene island like Bangaram in Lakshadweep sounds like a dream project, but for the team at Praveg Limited, it was a monumental challenge. The journey from conception to completion was fraught with obstacles that tested every facet of their resolve, ingenuity, and teamwork. What they achieved on Bangaram is nothing short of an extraordinary feat, showcasing unparalleled determination and resilience.

The Challenge of Isolation: A Unique Project Setting

Praveg Limited has a reputation for completing mainland projects in record time. However, developing a resort on an isolated island like Bangaram brought its own set of challenges. Unlike projects in urban areas, where materials and labour are easily accessible, Bangaram required transporting every single item—from screws to construction equipment—across rough seas, an effort that could take weeks for even the smallest shipment.

The logistical hub for the project was the mainland, specifically Kochi, Calicut, and Mangalore. From here, goods were transported to Agatti and then ferried to Bangaram and Tinnakara, another nearby island. The sheer volume of materials—a staggering 35,000 metric tonnes—highlighted the complexity of this undertaking.

Navigating Logistical and Bureaucratic Hurdles

Transportation was the foremost challenge. Initially, Praveg rented a warehouse in Kochi to store materials. However, the unavailability of boats to transport goods forced them to relocate operations to Calicut, where government barges and regular boats were more accessible. Even then, the effort was anything but smooth.

In March 2023, the team intensified their transportation efforts. Under the leadership of Mr Ramesh Parmar, seven boats were rented in a single day to move materials from Calicut to Agatti over the course of a month. This aggressive push ensured most goods reached Agatti by May 15, 2023.

Labour unions in Kerala posed another hurdle. With three unions managing loading and unloading, negotiations were critical. A meeting facilitated by the Port Officer at Calicut led to agreements with all three unions, enabling work to resume the very next day.

On the bureaucratic front, delays in land possession added to the woes. Though the work order for construction was issued in December 2023, the tourism department’s delay in providing possession with proper boundaries slowed progress. It wasn’t until July 2024 that the team could begin full-scale development.

Weather, Cartels, and Local Resistance

The weather was an unrelenting adversary. From May to September, monsoon rains and a rough Arabian Sea made transportation perilous, with many trips cancelled due to storms. Local boat operators and contractors, forming a cartel, further exacerbated the problem by charging exorbitant rates for their services.

Local resistance was another persistent issue. Residents of Agatti protested against the hiring of workers from other islands and obstructed the use of external boats. These actions disrupted transportation and led to significant delays. Despite these challenges, Praveg sought permissions from the Lakshadweep administration to break the monopoly, eventually securing the ability to hire boats and workers from other islands.

Construction Amidst Constraints

The physical constraints of the site presented their own set of challenges. Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules reduced the usable land for construction from 12,500 square meters to just 10,967 square meters. Further, the lack of heavy machinery on the islands meant that all construction had to be done manually or with the help of small tractors.

By May 2024, a temporary structure was built to facilitate operations, but local opposition led to its dismantling. Despite these setbacks, Praveg’s engineers and architects persevered, designing a resort that adhered to all regulations while maximizing the available space.

Overcoming Medical and Humanitarian Challenges

Working on a remote island without adequate medical facilities posed significant risks. Injuries and dehydration were common among workers, with no immediate access to medical care. The nearest government hospitals were located on Agatti and Kavaratti islands, requiring five to seven days for patient transport to the mainland in emergencies.

Praveg addressed this issue by stationing two doctors and a male nurse at Bangaram and arranging for a government helicopter to airlift patients during critical situations. They also ensured the availability of essential supplies like glucose water and medicines to mitigate the effects of harsh working conditions.

A Triumph of Teamwork and Resilience

What sets this project apart is the unwavering commitment of every member of the Praveg team. From engineers and architects to the procurement, legal, and HR teams, everyone played a vital role. The board of directors and the chairman provided moral and financial support, ensuring the project stayed on track despite the myriad challenges.

By December 2024, the team had transported over 7,000 metric tonnes of goods to Bangaram using small tractors and manual labour. Despite facing labour strikes, bad weather, and logistical nightmares, the resort became operational—a testament to the team’s tenacity and innovative problem-solving.

A Landmark Achievement

The successful completion of the Resort is more than just a corporate milestone; it’s a story of human endurance and the indomitable spirit of teamwork. Praveg Limited’s ability to overcome logistical, bureaucratic, and environmental hurdles to create a world-class resort on one of India’s most remote islands stands as an inspiration for future projects.

This journey is a reminder that with determination, innovation, and collaboration, even the most formidable challenges can be conquered. The Resort is not just a haven for travellers; it’s a symbol of what’s possible when vision meets perseverance.

Key persons involved in the completion of project:

Project Director: Shri Bhumit Patel

• - Sachin Patel
• - Sandeep
• - Abhishek Singh
• - Shetrunjay Shukla
• - Nand Kumar Nair

Lakshadweep Administration

• - Shri Praful Patel, Honourable Administrator, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
• - Shri Sandeep Kumar (IAS), Advisor to The Administrator
• - Avinash Kumar (IAS, Secretary Tourism)
• - Shri Arjun Mohan - IAS, Director Tourism
• - Shri Giri Shankar - IAS, Collector - Port Director
• - Shri Harshit Saini - Deputy Collector - Agatti