The ambitious Andaman Trunk Road (NH4) upgradation project, initiated almost six years ago, aimed to revolutionize transportation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, the project has become a constant source of frustration, inconvenience, and disappointment for the residents of these islands, particularly those in North and Middle Andaman.
The situation has worsened to the point where the road has been dubbed a “death trap,” with hundreds of accidents reported over the past six years, many of which have gone unnoticed. As the monsoon season looms, the pressing question remains: who will answer for these losses, and when will the suffering of the general public come to an end?
The project’s initial objective was to bring positive change and improved connectivity to the islands. However, it has been marred by delays, execution problems, and poor quality work by the contractors from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). This unprofessional working style has resulted in treacherous stretches of road filled with mud and loose earth, making it increasingly risky for travelers.
Several protests and agitations have been staged across South Andaman and North & Middle Andaman by islanders against the delay in NH4 upgradation works and the poor quality of the project. These concerns have not been adequately addressed, leaving the public to bear the brunt of the delays and substandard work.
With the monsoon season fast approaching, the residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are once again faced with the prospect of their roads becoming even more hazardous. It is crucial that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed by the relevant authorities.
In light of the ongoing suffering of the general public, particularly those in North and Middle Andaman, it is imperative that a high-level expert committee be established to review the NH4 upgradation works. This committee must hold those responsible for the delays and poor quality work accountable and ensure that the project is completed as swiftly as possible.
The residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have endured more than six years of inconvenience, danger, and disappointment. It is high time that the authorities prioritize their safety and well-being by expediting the completion of the NH4 upgradation project and ensuring that the benefits of this mega project are finally realized.
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