John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Oct 06: The recent communication from Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, regarding NH-04, has sparked concerns among the residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Islanders have openly voiced their dissatisfaction with the current state of NH-04, raising questions about its motorability. Some Islanders are challenging the Minister to demonstrate the existence of 239 out of the 331 kilometers of NH-04, which he claims are motorable. This situation has raised doubts about whether NHIDCL (National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.) has provided accurate information to the Union Minister or if the Minister is unaware of the ground realities.
The Member of Parliament of A & N Islands had recently conducted a massive protest at Rangat on this issue by staging a one day long dharna. The local congress and CPI(M) units have also been extremely vocal against the NH4.
In his letter, Mr. Nitin Gadkari recently mentioned that 239 kilometers of NH-04 have been blacktopped, with an additional 35 kilometers expected to be completed by March 2024.
Today Andaman Sheekha Daily Team spoke to four prominent public leaders who have been consistently raising concerns about NH-04. Here is what they had to say:
Mr. Subrata Basu, Chairman of North & Middle Andaman Zilla Parishad:
Mr. Basu expressed concerns about the incomplete Mayabunder Tugapur Stretch and the unsatisfactory progress on Package Three, particularly the Basantipur to Rangat blacktopping. He highlighted deteriorating blacktopping work in areas like Kishorinagar and raised concerns about the technology used in road construction, which has resulted in extensive damage, turning newly constructed roads into large potholes. He also questioned the transparency of NHIDCL and officials in addressing the situation.
Mr. Dipankar Mistry, Former Chairman of North & Middle Andaman Zilla Parishad:
Mr. Mistry pointed out the extensive damage to the completed roads following rainfall, with numerous large potholes appearing in various areas. He highlighted the lack of a motorable road in the Rangat to Diglipur area and cited landslides due to inadequate road construction in Sita Nagar. He mentioned NHIDCL’s attempts to repair potholes, which were hindered by the rainy season, leaving the filled potholes in a deteriorating condition. He also noted the differences in road construction design between South Andaman and North and Middle Andaman.
Mr. Alagar Swamy, Former Vice Chairman of North & Middle Andaman Zilla Parishad:
Mr. Swamy emphasized that the National Highway in North and Middle Andaman remains incomplete, with the Baratang section in a particularly deteriorated state. He pointed out that even in areas where NH has constructed new roads, they have quickly suffered damage. He shared his personal experience of traveling from Mayabunder to Diglipur, highlighting highly unfavorable road conditions in most areas, with the exception of the stretch from Beta Pur to Nimbutala.
Mr. Paritosh Kr. Haldar, President of the Andaman Nicobar Democratic Congress:
Mr. Haldar expressed strong concerns about NHIDCL’s actions, particularly in North and Middle Andaman, where a significant portion of the existing roads has been excavated, leaving muddy paths for vehicle movement. He criticized the subpar work quality, leading to the deplorable condition of 40 percent of the constructed roads. Despite peaceful protests and dharnas by the Islanders against NHIDCL, Mr. Haldar noted that the issues persist, marking a regrettable chapter in the history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
In conclusion, the condition of NH-04 in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has raised serious concerns among the Islanders. Public leaders have called for transparency and action from NHIDCL to address the road’s deteriorating condition and ensure the safety and convenience of residents and travelers in the region. The challenges faced by NH-04 remain a critical issue for the islanders, requiring immediate attention and resolution.
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