Sri Vijaya Puram | February 11, 2026
In a major push to infrastructure development and regional connectivity, the Andaman & Nicobar Administration has accorded administrative sanction of ₹4.16 crore for the comprehensive improvement of a 1.75-km stretch of State Highway No. 8, connecting Guptapara Junction to Manglutan Junction.
The project seeks to strengthen a vital transport corridor that serves as a lifeline for several enroute villages and is expected to directly benefit more than 3,722 residents. The upgraded road will significantly improve connectivity to key public institutions such as the Manglutan Primary Health Centre (PHC), Humfrygunj Police Station and the Guptapara Gram Panchayat Bhavan, thereby enhancing access to essential services and easing daily travel for local residents.
Beyond its local significance, State Highway No. 8 is a crucial artery for the tourism sector in the Andaman Islands. The highway provides primary access to prominent tourist destinations including Wandoor, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands. These destinations together attract an average of around 2,500 tourists every week. Improved road infrastructure along this stretch is expected to enhance travel safety and comfort for visitors, further supporting the region’s tourism-driven economy.
The sanctioned works include the extension of 22 RCC box culverts, construction of two new RCC box culverts and the building of RCC retaining walls to ensure the durability and resilience of the roadway.
