Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 23 February 2024
The Member of Parliament representing Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, has issued a pressing appeal to the Honorable Lt. Governor, urging immediate action to repair or replace the deteriorating TV Kulam Bridge and reopen it for public use.
In a formal communication addressed to the Lt. Governor, Sharma highlighted the critical condition of the steel Bailey bridge located at the entrance of TV Kulam village, within the jurisdiction of Shivapuram Gram Panchayat. The bridge’s closure has led to significant inconvenience for local residents, impeding vital connectivity in the area.
According to Sharma, the bridge has languished in disrepair for several years, posing grave safety hazards to villagers. Last year, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Mayabunder ordered the suspension of all vehicular and pedestrian traffic across the TV Kulam Bridge due to safety concerns. However, no measures have been taken since then to address the bridge’s structural deficiencies.
The closure of the bridge has compelled residents to take lengthy detours via the CFO Nallah Bridge to access ATR/NH 4, severely disrupting their daily routines. This situation has particularly impacted vulnerable demographics such as children, the elderly, students, government employees, and labourers.
Sharma implored the Honorable Lt. Governor to intervene urgently and facilitate the repair or replacement of the TV Kulam Bridge to alleviate the hardships faced by the local populace.