Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 06 June 2025
In a strongly worded representation to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, social worker and LG’s Commendation Awardee Mrs. VD Leju from Hope Town has called for immediate and decisive action to address the worsening traffic congestion at Bhatubasti — the primary gateway to Sri Vijaya Puram, the capital town area.
Highlighting the growing crisis, the letter describes how Bhatubasti, a crucial junction connecting various parts of South Andaman to Sri Vijaya Puram, has become a persistent traffic chokepoint. What was once limited to peak hours has now evolved into all-day congestion, stretching as late as 8–9 PM daily. This has resulted in daily delays, excessive fuel consumption, and growing health concerns due to rising pollution levels.
Ms. Leju points out that the existing road infrastructure—constructed over three decades ago—has failed to keep pace with the exponential growth in vehicular traffic and population. “The road from Garacharma to Aberdeen Bazaar, a stretch of merely 7–8 kilometers, now takes considerable time to traverse,” she noted.
While acknowledging that the island’s seismic vulnerability limits the feasibility of flyovers and underground tunnels, Ms. Leju has proposed a detailed and practical alternative: the construction of a parallel road from Prothrapur Junction via Divyum Theatre to Garacharma School. The route, starting from Pathargudda-Ganesh Temple, passing Atta Chakki Junction, and connecting through the backside of the upgraded Garacharma District Hospital to NH-4, would bypass the current congestion-prone Bhatubasti area.
She explained that a significant portion of the proposed route is currently underutilized, making land acquisition both practical and cost-effective if acted upon swiftly. While a 1–2 km stretch would require fresh construction, much of the rest could be developed by expanding existing rural roads. She also recommended the construction of an RCC bridge or viaduct across the interceding stream to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.
Emphasizing the long-term impact, she stated, “If this plan is envisioned and acted upon now, it can be completed in 4–5 years and will serve the islands for the next 40–50 years.” The alternate road would particularly benefit heavy commercial traffic, potentially reducing 70–80% of congestion in Bhatubasti and providing dual access routes into Sri Vijaya Puram.
In addition to easing daily commutes, Ms. Leju highlighted how the new road would:
– Improve access to the upcoming District Hospital at Garacharma.
– Enable faster emergency response during natural disasters.
– Boost tourism by facilitating smoother movement to and from the capital.
- Align with national infrastructure goals as seen in major cities across mainland India.
The representation has also been marked to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Mr. Nitin Gadkari, NITI Aayog, and other key officials, urging them to take up the matter with urgency and ensure its execution in the public interest.
Citing the successful initiatives like the upcoming Marine Drive and the Bambooflat-Chatham Sea Bridge, Ms. Leju underscored the need for a complementary focus on ground-level traffic infrastructure to unlock the full development potential of the islands.
“This is not just about convenience—it is about preparedness, sustainability, and future-readiness,” she concluded, appealing to the administration to act before the window of opportunity is lost.