Staff Correspondent
Billiground, Jan. 18, 2026: The Citizen Forum, Billiground has confirmed that a Strike-cum “Chakka Jaam” will be observed on January 21, 2026, in protest against the prolonged delay in the construction and repair of National Highway-4 (NH-4), particularly the stretch from Thoraktang to Panighat (Austin Bridge), Mayabunder.
Talking to Andaman Shikha, the Pradhan of Swadesh Nagar, Mr. Debabroto Das, who is also a member of the Citizen Forum, said that the decision was taken after a detailed and unanimous deliberation during an indoor meeting held on January 17, 2026. He stated that the Forum had earlier served a seven-day ultimatum to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to begin full-fledged road construction ensuring proper quality and quantity of work.
Mr. Das further informed that during a recent interaction between Citizen Forum delegates and the General Manager of NHIDCL at Billiground, it was clearly conveyed that only temporary pothole filling could be undertaken at present. According to NHIDCL, it would take nearly one and a half months to mobilize a fresh contractor from the mainland for comprehensive construction work. He added that fresh estimates for the NH-4 stretch have been repeatedly rejected by higher authorities, and although a revised estimate is reportedly under preparation, there is no concrete assurance regarding early execution.
From these developments, the Forum has concluded that full-scale construction of the NH-4 stretch is unlikely to commence during the current year. The continued neglect of this vital highway has severely disrupted daily life, affecting commuters, students, patients, workers, and local residents, and has caused immense hardship to the general public.
Mr. Das emphasized that the proposed Strike-Cum “Chakka Jaam” is a peaceful, democratic, and constitutional form of protest aimed at restoring accountability, safety, dignity, and development. He clarified that the agitation is not against democracy but reflects the growing frustration of the people due to years of inaction.
The Citizen Forum reiterated that the protest will continue until concrete, time-bound, and full-fledged construction work of NH-4 from Thoraktang to Panighat (Austin Bridge) is initiated. The Forum has appealed to all citizens to remain united, disciplined, and peaceful, and to extend their support to the movement in the larger interest of public welfare and regional development.
Meanwhile, the general public from all walks of life has been requested to make prior arrangements for any scheduled travel through Billiground on the day of the protest to avoid inconvenience.
