Port Blair, Oct 09: The Member of Parliament for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, has received a reassuring response from the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, regarding the urgent repair and restoration of the Andaman Trunk Road (NH-04) in North & Middle Andaman.
In his email dated August 10, 2023, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma had highlighted the pressing need for repairs and restoration of certain stretches of NH-04, a vital lifeline connecting the islands.
The Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, has now responded with a comprehensive update on the ongoing efforts to address these concerns.
Mr. Gadkari in his letter said that the entire 331-kilometer stretch of NH-04 currently falls under the purview of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). Of this, approximately 239 kilometers have already undergone blacktopping, with an additional 35 kilometers slated for completion by March 2024.
He informed that new bids for the balance work of the Middle Strait Bridge have been invited, along with bids for Package-III, which encompasses approximately 57 kilometers.
The Hon’ble Minister added that during the ongoing monsoon season, NHIDCL is taking proactive measures to ensure that the road remains in a traffic-worthy condition under the Risk & Cost of the existing contractor.
He mentioned that both the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) and NHIDCL are actively addressing the issues affecting various stretches of NH-04.
The Minister assured that every effort is being made to closely monitor and expedite road restoration during the upcoming working season.
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