Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 03: Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman of the Campaign Committee of Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), has once again raised serious concerns over the worsening traffic congestion along the key stretch of road from Dairy Farm Junction to Garacharma.
In a letter addressed to the Lt. Governor of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bhasker has called for immediate administrative intervention, including the construction of a flyover from the Airport Departure Gate up to Garacharma, to ease the daily suffering of commuters and improve traffic flow.
According to Mr. Bhasker, the road connecting the airport to Garacharma is a critical arterial route used by thousands of residents and tourists daily. However, the stretch is increasingly becoming a bottleneck, especially during peak hours, leading to long traffic jams, problems in shifting critical patients to hospital, delays in reaching the airport, and general commuter distress. The proposed flyover, he stated, would significantly reduce congestion and ensure smooth transit for both locals and visitors.
In addition to the flyover, Mr. Bhasker stressed the urgent need for road widening, particularly along the airport boundary, which he believes can be achieved with focused effort and support from the Administration. He reminded the authorities that despite multiple written appeals, no concrete steps have been taken so far, and the public continues to bear the brunt of official inaction.
Highlighting the historic lack of infrastructural upgrades, Mr. Bhasker noted that the last major road widening project in Port Blair was undertaken nearly three decades ago during the tenure of former Lt. Governor Mr. Vakkom Purushothaman, between 1993 and 1996. Since then, he said, there has been no road widening work carried out on this critical route.
He further pointed out that the condition of the road has deteriorated significantly during the monsoon, with numerous potholes making it unsafe and unmotorable. This not only affects daily commuters but also poses risks for emergency vehicles, school transport, and airport-bound travelers.
Mr. Bhasker has urged the Lt. Governor to take personal interest in this matter and expedite the process of constructing the proposed flyover, along with immediate repair and widening of the road. Such steps, he emphasized, will go a long way in improving urban mobility and enhancing the quality of life for Port Blair residents.
