Sri Vijaya Puram, July 26: Mr. Abhay Kumar, President of Living on the Edge (LOTE), has submitted a detailed representation to the President of India and the Vice President of India seeking their intervention for the early implementation of the long-pending Chatham–Bambooflat Permanent Connectivity Project in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
In his representation, Mr. Kumar described the proposed bridge or undersea tunnel between Chatham and Bambooflat as one of the most important infrastructure projects for the Islands, stating that it is essential not only for transportation but also for public convenience, emergency preparedness, economic growth, tourism, and national security.
He recalled that the demand for a permanent road link has existed for several years. Referring to earlier commitments made by the Government of India, Mr. Kumar noted that on February 16, 2015, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Mr. Nitin Gadkari had announced during a public meeting at Bambooflat Jetty that either a bridge or an undersea tunnel would be constructed to connect Chatham and Bambooflat after preparation of a feasibility report.
He further pointed out that during his visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on December 30, 2018, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi had also assured the people that the Chatham–Bambooflat Bridge would be constructed, raising hopes among thousands of islanders awaiting the project.
According to the representation, residents of South Andaman continue to face considerable hardship due to the absence of a permanent road connection. Thousands of commuters, including students, government employees, private sector workers, patients, tourists, and commercial vehicles, remain dependent on the vehicle ferry service between Chatham and Bambooflat, leading to long waiting hours, traffic congestion, and loss of productive time on a daily basis.
Mr. Abhay Kumar also highlighted the difficulties faced during medical emergencies, stating that delays in ferry movement can adversely affect patients requiring immediate treatment at GB Pant Hospital and other healthcare institutions in Sri Vijaya Puram. He further noted that ferry operations are frequently disrupted during the monsoon season because of rough sea conditions, causing inconvenience and safety concerns for commuters.
The representation also emphasised the economic importance of the project, stating that the absence of permanent connectivity increases transportation costs, affects commercial activities, slows tourism, and hampers the overall development of Bambooflat and adjoining areas. It further underlined the strategic significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, saying that robust internal connectivity is essential for defence preparedness, disaster management, logistics, and national security.
Referring to reports that alternative alignments are being examined owing to defence and security considerations, Mr. Abhay Kumar stated that while national security must remain the highest priority, such considerations should not result in indefinite delays. He suggested that if the originally proposed bridge alignment is found unsuitable for strategic or navigational reasons, the Government of India should examine the feasibility of constructing an undersea tunnel between Chatham and Bambooflat.
The representation stated that India has successfully executed several complex engineering projects, including highways, tunnels, and sea bridges, and expressed confidence that a similar world-class project could be undertaken in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It stressed that irrespective of whether the final solution is a bridge or an undersea tunnel, the people require a safe, reliable, all-weather, and permanent connectivity solution at the earliest.
Mr. Kumar also pointed out that with major strategic and infrastructure developments currently underway in Great Nicobar, strengthening connectivity in South Andaman has become equally important and should be treated as a project of national importance.
Through the representation, he urged the President and the Vice President to advise the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to expedite all approvals and clearances, finalise the most suitable option without further delay, ensure transparent and time-bound implementation, and keep the public informed about the project’s progress.
Concluding the representation, the LOTE President said the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have waited patiently for more than a decade despite repeated public assurances and expressed hope that the long-awaited project would soon become a reality under the guidance of the country’s highest constitutional authorities.
