Trinath & Vikramaditya
Billiground, Jan 21:
After sustained public pressure and a large-scale chakka jam protest organised by the Billiground Citizen Forum, the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) has issued a written assurance outlining specific action plans and timelines for repair and restoration of damaged stretches of National Highway-4 in Middle Andaman. Following the submission of the assurance by NHIDCL officials, the protestors announced the temporary withdrawal of the road blockade, while clearly stating that their agitation would continue until all commitments are implemented on the ground.
Addressing the gathering late on Tuesday, representatives of the Citizen Forum informed that NHIDCL has approved a change in scope amounting to approximately ₹1.21 crore, which has already been issued to the existing third-party contractor, M/s Reef Construction, for immediate commencement of repair works at severely damaged stretches around Billiground and Swadesh Nagar. The work includes urgent restoration of badly affected road portions.
As per the written assurance, NHIDCL has also invited a fresh bid worth ₹1.76 crore for urgent repair works involving the provision of CTB and BC layers to address critically damaged portions of the highway. The bid opening for this work is scheduled on January 23, 2026, and officials have assured that execution will begin within seven days of the work award.
Further, NHIDCL has directed M/s Vashistha Construction Pvt. Ltd. to stop work with immediate effect, citing non-compliance with MoRTH and IRC specifications and standards. The proposal for termination of the contract is currently under process, the assurance document stated.
For long-term and permanent solutions, NHIDCL has invited another tender on January 20, 2026, covering major balance works and full-stretch overlay of the affected NH-4 sections. The work will be executed in two phases — first, repair of damaged portions, followed by full-stretch overlay with 40 mm BC, including road furniture and other balance works. The bid opening for this tender is scheduled on February 11, 2026, and work is expected to start within 15 days of award.
Based on these written commitments, the Citizen Forum decided to call off the chakka jam as a gesture of trust. However, leaders categorically stated that the dharna will continue, warning that failure to adhere to the promised timelines would result in intensified agitation and a larger mass movement.
Speakers recalled that residents had earlier boycotted a ward election in Harinagar over the poor road condition and warned that similar steps, including boycott of upcoming Panchayat elections, could be taken if satisfactory progress is not achieved. Calling for unity beyond party lines, they stressed that the struggle is for development, basic rights, and the future of the islands.
The protest was held at Billiground Market, with residents from Harinagar and surrounding areas participating in large numbers, raising slogans demanding quality blacktopping of NH-4 from Panighat to Austin Bridge and towards the Mayabunder sector. Heavy police deployment was seen to maintain law and order.
Residents pointed out that the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a major tourist destination, and the deteriorated condition of NH-4 severely damages its image, particularly for tourists travelling long distances from Port Blair to Diglipur. Protest leaders asserted that the outcome of the agitation proved that public unity remains the strongest force in ensuring accountability and action.
