Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 30 December 2024
The long-awaited Chatham-Bambooflat Bridge in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is set to see progress, as Member of Parliament (MP) Bishnu Pada Ray recently revealed that Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, will lay the foundation stone for the bridge in the next four months.
In a video message, MP Ray shared the news, explaining that the decision was made during a meeting at Raj Nivas, which took place during Gadkari’s recent visit to the islands. The announcement comes as a relief to the residents who have long sought a permanent solution to their transportation woes.
The Chatham-Bambooflat Bridge has been a longstanding demand for locals, many of whom rely on ferries to travel between the two locations daily. The new bridge promises to significantly ease the daily commute for thousands of Islanders.
Additionally, MP Ray confirmed that the Middle Strait-Baratang Bridge, which had faced delays, is expected to be completed within the next two years. The project was abandoned by the previous contractor, forcing commuters to continue using vehicle ferries, which add significant time and inconvenience to their journeys.
The MP also addressed the state of National Highway-4, a critical route connecting Sri Vijaya Puram to Diglipur. During the same meeting at Raj Nivas, it was confirmed that the road construction between Baratang and Diglipur will be completed within the next 1.5 years. The current condition of the highway has been a source of concern for residents, but this new timeline offers hope for much-needed improvements.
These developments mark significant steps forward for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, improving connectivity and easing daily travel for residents across the region.