The PORTNET project interconnecting fourteen locations in Lakshadweep and mainland established for the advance ship ticket reservation system inaugurated on 26^th January 2006 by Sri. Parimal Rai, IAS, the Hon. Administrator of Lakshadweep. Sri. U.C.K. Thangal Chief Counselor Lakshadweep, Sri. Wasnik, IAS, Managing Director, Laksahdweep Development Corporation, Sri. Madup Vyas, IAS, Collector Cum Development Commissioner, were also present on the occasion.

Just after inauguration, the administrator  issued the first ticket through the Web-enabled Advance Ship Ticket Reservation System. Speaking on the occasion, the Port officer,Lakshadweep said NIC was the main force behind this project and thanked the NIC officers for their dedication, sincerity and cooperation. The complete project from initiation to execution was done by NIC, Lakshadweep U.T. unit. The project benefits the entire population of Lakshadweep who can now purchase ship tickets one month in advance from any of the fourteen locations for any ship one month in advance. The ship schedules, ship ticket status, ship ticket availability is available through Internet.

In all the locations Ship Ticket availability system which gives up-to-date ship ticket availability status is also established.

The function at Kavaratti was broadcasted live to all the PORTNET locations.