Member of Parliament Demands Repair and Restoration of Chatham Bridge for Public Safety and Transportation Continuity

Details

Port Blair, May 17: The Member of Parliament, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration to repair and restore Chatham Bridge for Public Safety and Transportation Continuity.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, the Member of Parliament said that the Chatham Bridge serves as a lifeline for many residents, facilitating the daily commute of dozens of government and private buses, hundreds of other vehicles along with thousands of people. Its continued operation is critical for the economic and social well-being of our Islands.

He pointed out that the bridge is currently in a state of disrepair, presenting a significant risk to public safety and hindering the smooth flow of traffic. The visible signs of deterioration are alarming, and it is evident that immediate restoration and major repairs are necessary to ensure the continued functionality of this bridge.

The Member of Parliament mentioned that the bridge is essential for people commuting between Port Blair and remote South Andaman areas like Bambooflat, Wimberlygunj, and adjoining regions, as the vehicle ferry jetty of Chatham is situated on Chatham Island.

He said that the bridge is also crucial for heavy cargo vehicles loading from Chatham Jetty to reach Port Blair and vice versa. Additionally, Chatham Island houses the historic Chatham Saw Mill, a popular tourist destination, necessitating the daily use of the bridge by timber and tourist vehicles.

Furthermore, he added that Chatham Island hosts the largest power plant of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, with a significant number of government staff and vehicles relying on the bridge daily.

Given the pivotal role that the Chatham Bridge plays in our transportation network, the Member of Parliament requested the Chief Secretary to expedite the necessary measures to repair and restore the bridge.

He said that timely action is paramount to prevent any potential disruptions to the daily lives of our residents and to avert any safety hazards posed by the bridge's current state.