KOLLAM: A high-level official team from the Lakshadweep Islands, led by representatives of the people from Minicoy, visited the Kollam port on Friday to check whether the port could serve as the main link for passenger ships coming from Minicoy to mainland India.

This is a follow-up to the visit in December by a team led by Lakshadweep Director of Ports M.S. Syed Ismail Koya. Both teams expressed satisfaction over the port's geographical location and other natural features.

The new team, led by Minicoy Island Council Chairman Hassan Bodumuke, included Minicoy councillor Nazir Mahimbebegothe, Tourism Officer Muhammed Muduge and Lakshadweep Deputy Director of Shipping, Muthu Koya.

The major reason for expressing satisfaction over the Kollam port is that sailing time to Minicoy from here will be only 10 hours compared to 15 hours from Kochi.

The islanders visit the mainland mainly for medical treatment and education. Director of Fisheries and Special Officer Ports P.I. Shiekh Pareeth, who led the State government team, showed some of these facilities available in Kollam city.

The hospitals shown to the team included the Benziger, Dr. Nair's, Sankar's and the Travancore Medicity. The team also visited the TKM College of Engineering.

Mr. Pareeth said the Lakshadweep team was satisfied with the hospitals and educational institutions in the city. Thiruvananthapuram city being just one hour drive from here is an added advantage if Kollam becomes the main link for Minicoy.

The city already has a student community from Minicoy.