Port Blair, Nov. 12: Worried due to delay in delay in construction of two crucial bridges of Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) and also in making ATR into two lane, the lone Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray has requested Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport & Highways to expedite the work of seeking forest clearance.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of MoRTH, Ray said that in case the work does not commence as scheduled, an amount of Rs. 540 Crores for construction of 61 Km of road in the first phase and Rs. 500 Crores earmarked for those works shall lapse or will be transferred to other State.
Ray added that the people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands are anxiously looking forward to witness the Minister MoRTH unveiling the foundation stone of the dream project.
In his letter the Member of Parliament also reminded the Minister of a meeting held in his chamber shortly after the Minister assumed his office, wherein the Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Chief Engineer, APWD, DG National Highways and Consultant appointed by the Ministry were present.
After due consultation with all, it was assured in your presence that the foundation stones for long awaited works of two lane roads and two bridges in ATR will be laid by you on 26th Jan 2015 and the work shall commence immediately thereafter,” the MP added.
Ray sought the intervention of the Minister of Road Transport & Highways to ensure that forest clearances etc. are accorded in a time bound manner and the foundation is laid as scheduled on 26th Jan 2015.
