New Delhi, Sept. 6: Shri. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Committee Member-BJP, met Shri Nitin Gadhkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Govt. of India and presented a detailed description of the pathetic condition of National Highway No. 4 (NH-4) with all prevailing facts & figures. He also raised the issue of commencement of construction of Chatham to Bambooflat Bridge. 

He specifically pointed out and appraised him about all those stretches and chainage wherein the road is not even in motorable condition i.e.

Around 22 Km of stretch between Baratang to Azad Hind Fauj Setu i.e 107 Km chainage to 129 Km.

Around 12 Km of stretch beyond Rest Camp i.e between 220 Km chainage to 232 Km.

Around 10 Km of stretch between Kaushalya Nagar to Gate No 15 i.e between is 155 Km chainage to 165 Km.

He also made the Hon’ble Union Minister aware of the absolutely deplorable quality of work done by the Contractor who was awarded with construction of those stretches of road works.

He also highlighted the sufferings & mental agony of the commuters of North & Middle Andaman District.

He also made him aware about the stagnation of all developmental works of those regions due to the pathetic condition of NH-4.

Another issue which he highlighted is regarding the extremely poor and dilapidated condition of Causeway Bridge located at Lorojig area which falls in Baratang Island at North and Middle Andaman.

Shri. Vishal Jolly therefore earnestly requested the Hon’ble Minister to take the following steps under the prevailing condition of NH-4:-

The existing contract of the present contractor namely M/s. Mantena Constructions Pvt. Ltd. – Vasishta Constructions Ltd. Bridge (JV) may kindly be cancelled.

Award the work to some other contractor by calling for tender in relation to the balance road work, by ensuring that the road work is completed within October, 2023.

Causeway Bridge located at Lorojig area which falls in Baratang Island may soon be either renovated/repaired or if needed the same may be newly constructed.

Also kindly restart & complete the balance work of the Middle Strait –Baratang Bridge at the earliest, in the larger interest of the people of North & Middle Andaman.

Apart from NH-4, he also vehemently took up the issue of Construction of Bridge between Chatham to Bambooflat and humbly requested the Hon’ble Minister to start and complete the construction as early as possible. He also reminded him about the party’s firm commitment about giving relief to the residents of Bambooflat and all other adjoining villages of Ferrargunj Tehsil, who have been struggling to daily travel by ferry boats for earning their livelihood & for undergoing education etc.

The Hon’ble Union Minister gave patient hearing to Shri. Jolly and positively assured him to take all required steps in this regard at the earliest.

The Hon’ble Union Minister further informed that the fresh tender with respect to Middle Strait –Baratang Bridge has been uploaded and soon after the process of awarding the same, the work would restart.

The Hon’ble Union Minister further in front of Shri. Vishal Jolly gave clear instructions to the authorities of NHIDCL to expedite the process of cancellation of tenders awarded to Contractors responsible for the present condition of various stretches of NH-4 and also take immediate steps to call for fresh tenders.

The Hon’ble Union Minister further informed that immediate steps would be taken to cause repairs of the various chainage of NH-4, wherever required.

The Hon’ble Union Minister further informed that in so far as Chatham–Bambooflat Bridge is concerned, appropriate steps are being taken to expedite the process.