Sri Vijaya Puram, March 31: Shri TSG Bhasker, Chairman of the Campaign Committee of ANTCC, has expressed serious concern over the deplorable condition and extremely slow progress of the NH-4 road construction works in North and Middle Andaman, highlighting the immense hardship being faced by the general public.
In a representation submitted to the Executive Director, NHIDCL on 28th March, Shri Bhasker stated that despite the deadline of June 2026 for completion of the project, the current ground situation is far from satisfactory. He pointed out that the stretch from Kalara to Mayabunder, which was earlier completed, has now deteriorated badly, severely affecting smooth vehicular movement. The Mayabunder to Billiground stretch shows hardly any visible progress, with work taking place only in a few isolated patches. Similarly, the Billiground to Rangat stretch, though reportedly completed on paper, is in an extremely poor condition and requires immediate repair or complete relaying.
He further noted that from Rangat to Kadamtala, there is virtually no proper motorable road visible and the progress of work is extremely slow, with only minor activity observed near protected areas. While the Kadamtala to Baratang stretch is progressing at a comparatively better pace, serious concerns remain regarding the quality of construction. He stressed that proper inspection and certification must be ensured so that the road withstands the forthcoming monsoon and does not get washed away.
Shri Bhasker also emphasized that with the end of March approaching, there is barely one month left before the onset of the monsoon, which usually begins in early May, leaving very little time to carry out substantial road work.
Expressing deep disappointment, he stated that it is unfortunate that the concerned authorities have failed to meet expectations and have not adequately understood the hardships faced by the people due to the lack of proper road infrastructure. He further highlighted that patients referred to Port Blair for medical treatment are now compelled to depend on helicopter services, as road travel has become extremely difficult and painful.
Shri TSG Bhasker has urged the authorities to take immediate corrective measures on priority and ensure that the road infrastructure is restored to a safe and reliable condition without further delay.