Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 03: The Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC) has expressed deep concern over the continued negligence in repairing and completing National Highway-4 (NH-4) in North and Middle Andaman, describing the issue as one of the most serious public grievances in the islands.
Addressing a joint press conference this evening, Mr. T.S.G. Bhasker, Chairman of the Campaign Committee, and Mr. Tamil Selvam, Spokesperson of ANTCC, extended heartfelt gratitude to the media and the public for their support in the recently held Rangat Bazaar “Chakka Jam” protest on November 1. Despite heavy rainfall, thousands of people from across the islands, including Diglipur, Billiground, Kadamtala, Baratang and Mayabunder, participated in the protest demanding immediate completion of the highway.
Mr. Bhasker said the protest was not political but a “people’s movement” reflecting the pain of commuters who suffer daily due to the deplorable road conditions. “Even during torrential rain, people stood united for their right to safe roads. That shows how serious this problem has become,” he said, thanking the public, transporters, traders, and the media for their solidarity and coverage.
Mr. Bhasker, highlighting the gravity of the situation, said that the Congress party had raised the NH-4 issue consistently for the past five years. “We have written letters to the Lieutenant Governor, submitted memorandums to the Union Ministry, and even protested in Port Blair, Tiranga Park, and Rangat under the leadership of our PCC President, Mr. Rangalal Halder. But the administration and NHIDCL have failed to act,” he said.
Citing a 2023 NHIDCL communication claiming completion of 250 km of road and several bridges, Mr. Bhasker alleged that “ground reality tells a different story.” He said that the party had collected samples of road materials from multiple sites, which appeared to be of inferior quality. “We are sending these samples for testing both locally and in Hyderabad. The material used is completely substandard — half of it is mud. This is public money being wasted,” he added.
He also revealed that FIRs have been filed in Rangat and Baratang, demanding investigation into what he termed as “road theft” — alleging both the road and funds have been misused. “The road is gone, and so is ₹3500 crore. That’s the real theft,” he stated bluntly.
Mr. Bhasker further informed that during the protest, senior officials including the Assistant Commissioner (Mayabunder), Additional District Magistrate, and NHIDCL General Manager met the Congress delegation and assured that the entire highway would be completed by June 2026. “We welcome the assurance but want it in writing. We have given them seven days to respond, failing which we will announce the next course of action on November 8,” he warned.
Raising further questions, Mr. Tamil Selvam pointed out that while NHIDCL claims completion of work till Baratang, even the stretch from Baratang to Rangat shows 5–10 km of fresh damage. “It’s unclear whether they plan to renovate or rebuild those sections. The materials stacked by contractors along the roadside are of such poor quality that no department in Port Blair would ever approve their use,” he remarked.
The leaders also criticized the administration over the Chatham Bridge restrictions, urging that at least three-wheelers be allowed to cross for the convenience of the public. “Elderly people and children are suffering daily because of the current rules. The administration must allow autos immediately,” Mr. Bhasker appealed.
Concluding the press meet, Mr. TSG Bhasker reiterated that if the June 2026 deadline is not met, the Congress party will intensify its agitation with an even larger movement. “This is not just about a road. It’s about people’s safety and the right to dignity in travel. One life lost on this highway is one too many,” Mr. Bhasker said.
