Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Sri Vijayapuram, Nov 10: Growing frustration over the crumbling condition of National Highway-4 (NH-4) between Bakultala Junction and Panitanki in Rangat has now erupted into open anger. Residents, supported by local authorities, have declared a “Chakka Jam” on November 17, 2025, after RKEC Project Ltd. and the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) allegedly failed to meet two successive repair deadlines.
The agitation stems from broken assurances given by the contractor to avert an earlier protest in WMM work by November 1. However, both commitments were ignored, leaving the road unsafe for commuters.
A stern letter dated November 7, issued by Mr. Narayan Manda, Pradhan of Bakultala Gram Panchayat, accused the contractor of negligence and issued a final ultimatum. The letter warned that if the WMM roadwork is not restored within a week, PRIs, auto unions, students, and the public will launch a massive road blockade at Bakultala Junction on November 17.
With tempers flaring and deadlines ignored, the standoff now threatens to bring traffic on the lifeline highway of Middle Andaman to a complete halt unless urgent action is taken.
