Port Blair: The BJP unit of Andaman and Nicobar Islands has highlighted the issue of the “extremely pathetic” condition of NH-4 in North & Middle Andaman District with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and demanded early commencement of construction of Chatham Bambooflat Bridge.
In a joint letter written to Gadkari, Vishal Jolly the National Executive Member BJP and Ajoy Bairagi the party’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands unit President said that the people residing in North & Middle Andaman are suffering enormously due to the “extremely pathetic” condition of the NH-4 in that region.
They mentioned that the economic development and the transport system have collapsed due to the pitiable condition of NH-4.
“The construction of NH-4 was awarded to National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) in the year 2016 and even after almost 6 years, the work is yet to be completed,” they mentioned.
The yardstick, method and quality of work adopted by NHIDCL in South Andaman District was completely different from the works that are being done in North & Middle Andaman District. Due to non-availability of good quarry products, the previously constructed road materials were rolled over for the new construction and the same was done after obtaining necessary approval, the missive claimed..
Both the leaders highlighted that the road construction in that region is difficult considering that the rainy season lasts around nine months, and accused the contractors concerned of “miserably failing” in their management and performance of work.
With respect to Chatham-Bambooflat Bridge, the BJP leaders wrote that the issue requires the intervention of the Minister.
Reportedly, the DPR for the project was already complete and further course of action was required for its early implementation.
“This project would bring a sea change for enabling convenient vehicular traffic movement from a major part of the South Andaman region to Port Blair City. This would largely reduce the travel time for the commuters from several villages of South Andaman,” they added.
