Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 14 February 2025
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, met with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, to seek expedited approval for a proposal to upgrade 14 State Highway roads in the islands to National Highways. The proposal, submitted by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, also includes plans for the development of wayside amenities along these roads.
The MP expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration for his proactive efforts in acting on the directives given by Mr. Gadkari during his visit to Sri Vijaya Puram and the review meeting at Raj Niwas on December 27, 2024.
Following the minister’s instructions, the A&N Administration, under the leadership of the Chief Secretary, conducted a comprehensive survey and identified 14 key roads connecting various jetties across the islands for the proposed upgrade. These roads include: Campbell Bay, Kamorta, Katchal, Car Nicobar, Little Andaman, Bathu Basthi to Chatham-Bambooflat Bridge, Bambooflat Jetty to Ferrargunj via Ograbranj, Tushnabad to Tirur via Manpur, Collinpur Beach and Herbetabad, Wandoor Jetty to Sippighat connecting Manjeeri, Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Mayabunder, Diglipur, and Kalara Junction to Ram Nagar via Kalighat Jetty.
Under the guidance of the Chief Secretary, along with the Secretary (APWD), Chief Engineer (APWD), and their team, the proposal was swiftly prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways within a time-bound framework.
Acknowledging the Administration’s swift action, Mr. Ray appreciated the dedication and efficiency of the Chief Secretary and his team. He assured that he is actively pursuing the matter with the Ministry to secure principal approval at the earliest.
Once principal approval is granted, the UT Administration will prepare detailed estimates for all 14 roads, paving the way for their formal declaration as National Highways. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance connectivity across the islands and boost infrastructure development in the region.