Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 04: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, met Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways at New Delhi, to discuss the proposals submitted by the UT Administration seeking sanction of the Phase-II CRIF proposal amounting to Rs.123.92 crore for 41 road projects.
During the meeting, the MP conveyed his sincere gratitude to the Minister for his continued support and sympathetic consideration towards the Andaman & Nicobar Islands a geographically remote and backward region that relies solely on the Ministry’s assistance under the CRIF scheme for road infrastructure development. He also expressed appreciation for the earlier sanction of Rs.49.99 crore for 90 works under Phase-I on 28.08.2025, fulfilling the commitment made during the Minister’s visit to the Islands on 28.12.2024. These works, now being processed by the UT Administration, will significantly improve road conditions and provide relief to the public.
The MP further apprised the Minister that the UT Administration has submitted the Phase-II proposal comprising 41 estimates amounting to Rs.123.92 crore, along with clarifications to queries raised by the Ministry. He also requested relaxation or enhancement of the CRIF ceiling for A&N Islands considering its backwardness, remoteness, and limited financial resources. He highlighted the acute budget constraint under the capital head, particularly for road repair, maintenance and infrastructure creation and stressed that without continued CRIF support, it is impossible to meet the essential road development requirements of the Islands.
After hearing the detailed submissions made by Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, MP, Mr. Nitin Gadkari granted in-principal approval on the spot for the Phase-II CRIF proposal of Rs.123.92 crore covering 41 road works and directed the officials of the Ministry to take necessary follow-up action as per established procedures.
This in-principle approval marks a significant step forward in strengthening road infrastructure across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and brings substantial relief to the people of the UT, said MP.
