MP Meets Nitin Gadkari to Push for Upgradation of 14 State Highways to National Highways, Expresses Gratitude to Chief Secretary for Proactive Efforts in Advancing Proposal

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 hunt expedited approval for a proposal to improve 14 State Highway roads within the islands to National Highways. The proposal, submitted by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, additionally contains plans for the event of wayside facilities alongside these roads.

The MP expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration for his proactive efforts in performing on the directives given by Mr. Gadkari throughout his go to to Sri Vijaya Puram and the evaluation assembly at Raj Niwas on December 27, 2024.

Following the minister’s directions, the A&N Administration, below the management of the Chief Secretary, performed a complete survey and recognized 14 key roads connecting numerous jetties throughout the islands for the proposed improve. These roads embody: Campbell Bay, Kamorta, Katchal, Car Nicobar, Little Andaman, Bathu Basthi to Chatham-Bambooflat Bridge, Bambooflat Jetty to Ferrargunj through Ograbranj, Tushnabad to Tirur through Manpur, Collinpur Beach and Herbetabad, Wandoor Jetty to Sippighat connecting Manjeeri, Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Mayabunder, Diglipur, and Kalara Junction to Ram Nagar through Kalighat Jetty.

Under the steerage of the Chief Secretary, together with the Secretary (APWD), Chief Engineer (APWD), and their workforce, the proposal was swiftly ready and submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways inside a time-bound framework.

Acknowledging the Administration’s swift motion, Mr. Ray appreciated the dedication and effectivity of the Chief Secretary and his workforce. He assured that he’s actively pursuing the matter with the Ministry to safe principal approval on the earliest.

Once principal approval is granted, the UT Administration will put together detailed estimates for all 14 roads, paving the way in which for his or her formal declaration as National Highways. This initiative is predicted to considerably improve connectivity throughout the islands and enhance infrastructure improvement within the area.