Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 17 February 2025
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has urged the administration to take immediate action for the repair and improvement of the State Highway (SH-11) road from Tirur to Tushnabad Junction. The 10-kilometer stretch has deteriorated significantly, posing serious risks to commuters and disrupting daily life in the region.
Residents of Tirur, Manpur, Colanpur, Habdipur, Tushnabad, and nearby villages have long been raising concerns about the deplorable condition of the road. Despite multiple appeals, no substantial maintenance work has been undertaken in years. Large potholes and uneven surfaces have rendered the road nearly impassable, causing immense difficulties for daily commuters, schoolchildren, the elderly, and pregnant women.
Public transport services have been severely impacted, with private bus operators suspending services and government-run STS buses frequently breaking down. Farmers who rely on the road to transport their produce to markets are also suffering losses due to the poor condition of the highway.
The MP pointed out that previous repair efforts have been inadequate, with substandard patchwork failing to provide a lasting solution. An estimate for the repair work was prepared by the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD) a few years ago, but it remains stalled without final approval. The worsening condition of the road has led to private transporters refusing to operate along the route, affecting the supply of essential goods to the region.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray has now urged the Chief Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to intervene immediately and direct the APWD to undertake urgent repairs to restore the road’s usability. He emphasized that swift action is necessary to ensure the safety and convenience of commuters and to prevent further disruptions in transportation and trade.