Port Blair, July 09: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has brought to light the critical condition of the Andaman Trunk Road (NH4) in a detailed letter addressed to the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari. The MP emphasized the urgent need for intervention to address the deteriorating conditions affecting the region’s key infrastructure.
In his letter he mentioned that the construction of NH4, spanning across South Andaman, North, and Middle Andaman, commenced following the Modi government’s rise to power in 2014. This phase included the construction of significant bridges over Middle Strait and Gandhighat creeks. Despite challenges such as the non-allocation of quarries, the first phase was successfully completed by 2019, with the bridge at Uttara/Gandhighat standing as a testament to the excellent work done.
Since 2019, the situation has worsened significantly. The NH4 stretch from Baratang Island to North and Middle Andaman has become treacherous for travellers due to incomplete infrastructure and poor road conditions. The incomplete bridge over Middle Strait and deteriorating road segments have led to frequent vehicle breakdowns and accidents, causing substantial inconvenience and risk.
The MP highlighted the severe repercussions on local communities. Patients travelling to South Andaman’s referral hospitals face dangerous journeys, exacerbating medical conditions and sometimes resulting in fatalities. The tourism sector, vital for the region’s economy, has seen a sharp decline, leading to economic distress and rising unemployment. Additionally, residents along the route suffer from respiratory problems due to constant exposure to dust and dirt.
In his letter, Ray has urged the Minister for immediate measures to
Upgrade NH4 and to ensure the highway meets the standards of other national highways in India.
He requested the Minister to complete the Middle Strait Bridge by addressing and removing construction bottlenecks.
He also requested to investigate Delays by conducting an inquiry into the reasons behind delays, cost overruns, and inefficiencies, holding responsible parties accountable.