Sri Vijaya Puram | March 13, 2026
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray met Nitin Gadkari on Friday and raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of several stretches of the National Highway in North and Middle Andaman district.
During the meeting, the MP highlighted the deplorable condition of the National Highway stretch between Baratang and Diglipur, stating that several portions of the road have developed large potholes due to poor base and plinth work. He informed the Union Minister that the road condition has become unsafe for vehicular movement and is causing significant inconvenience to commuters and residents.
Ray also expressed concern over the slow progress of the Middle–Baratang bridge project. He pointed out that if the work continues at the present pace, the project may not be completed within the timeline set by the Ministry and the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
The MP further drew attention to administrative gaps affecting effective monitoring of National Highway works in the district. Earlier, separate General Managers were posted for the Project Monitoring Units (PMUs) at Baratang and Mayabunder to supervise the works. However, the General Manager stationed at Sri Vijaya Puram is currently holding additional charge of all PMU units in North and Middle Andaman, limiting effective field-level supervision.
Additionally, Ray noted that the Project Manager of NHIDCL at the PMU in Mayabunder has not been granted an extension, resulting in the absence of a dedicated officer to oversee ongoing highway projects in the district.
He urged the Union Minister to intervene to expedite the ongoing works, including the Baratang bridge project, and to ensure that the National Highway stretch from Baratang to Diglipur is completed within the timelines fixed by the Ministry.
The MP also requested that monitoring arrangements be strengthened and suggested deputing an expert team from the Ministry or NHIDCL to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to assess the current condition of the highway stretches and ensure quality and timely completion of the projects.
Apart from the highway-related issues, Ray also requested early approval of the Batch-II proposal under the Central Road Fund (CRF) amounting to ₹123.92 crore, which has been submitted by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and is currently pending with the Ministry.
Gadkari assured the MP that the issues raised would be examined and appropriate action would be taken. Ray also submitted a detailed letter to the Minister outlining the concerns.
