Sri Vijaya Puram | January 14, 2026
Public anger over the prolonged and unsatisfactory execution of National Highway-4 (NH-4) works has reached another flashpoint, with the Citizen Forum Billiground announcing an indefinite-period strike and Chakka Jam at Billiground Bazaar, warning that mass agitation will begin from January 21, 2026, if immediate action is not taken.
In a formal ultimatum submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, North & Middle Andaman District, the Forum stated that the decision was taken during a well-attended public meeting held with the unanimous support of residents and Gram Panchayats Functionaries of Harinagar, Swadeshnagar, Basantipur and Shivapuram. The meeting discussed several long-pending civic issues, with the dilapidated condition of NH-4 emerging as the central concern.
The Forum highlighted that the Thoraktang to Panighat Bridge (Austin Creek) stretch of NH-4 has become unsafe and unreliable, causing immense hardship to commuters, patients, students, transporters and local residents. According to the Forum, despite repeated representations and assurances over the years, the blacktop road construction has failed to progress satisfactorily even eight years after initiation.
Alleging continued non-performance, unreasonable delays and irregularities in execution by the implementing agency, the Citizen Forum said that no visible remedial measures have been taken so far, forcing the public to resort to democratic agitation as a last option.
As part of its ultimatum, the Forum has put forth several demands, including immediate initiation of blacktop road construction on NH-4, priority execution of the Thoraktang–Panighat Bridge stretch, and disclosure of all records related to project progress, funds released and construction materials available at sites. The Forum has also demanded that any discussion be held only with senior NHIDCL officials not below the rank of Executive Director, along with the General Manager, and that the Deputy Commissioner personally remain present during the dharna to hear public grievances.
Terming the demand as primary and non-negotiable, the Forum made it clear that excuses such as tender delays, seasonal constraints or shortage of materials will not be accepted. It stated that the proposed strike, Chakka Jam and possible hunger strike will be peaceful, democratic and non-violent, but firm and continuous until concrete, time-bound action is initiated.
The Citizen Forum warned that failure to address the issue would lead to indefinite continuation of the agitation and held NHIDCL and concerned authorities solely responsible for any disruption or consequences arising out of continued inaction.
Copies of the ultimatum have been forwarded to the Executive Director, NHIDCL, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Chief Secretary, Member of Parliament, senior police officials and other departmental heads, urging immediate intervention to avert what the Forum termed an “avoidable mass agitation” at Billiground Bazaar.
