Port Blair, Feb 28: The Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has demanded to reconstruct the footbridge connecting Swadesh Nagar and Shantipur to motorable bridge (fit for movement of four wheelers).

In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, the Member of Parliament mentioned that nearly nine years back APWD had constructed a footbridge over the Shantipur Nallah, connecting Swadesh Nagar and Shantipur. This bridge is presently usable for only pedestrians and motorbikes.

He added that the residents of Swadesh Nagar Gram Panchayat had demanded construction of a motorable bridge, fit for four wheelers, to facilitate smoother travel for the villagers of Shantipur village and Swadesh Nagar areas.

The Member of Parliament pointed out that Shantipur is one of the largest vegetable-producing areas in the Middle Andaman region and to access markets more easily villagers need movement of four wheelers to transport their product to nearby markets but the footbridge does not solve the major purpose of the villagers.

He added that he strongly believes that a motorable bridge, fit for four wheelers will be more purposeful than this footbridge for the entire population of the area.

In this regard he requested the Chief Secretary to consider reconstructing the bridge as per the demands raised by the public.