Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 09 August 2023
Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Former State President of BJP, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has raised issues over the standard of highway building on National Highway No-4 within the North & Middle Andaman District. In a letter addressed to the Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Mr. Jolly emphasised the substandard work accomplished by awarded contractors on sure stretches of the freeway.
Mr. Jolly’s letter underscored the numerous points with highway high quality and upkeep on National Highway No-4. He particularly drew consideration to 3 main stretches of poor highway situations, all of which have been awarded to M/s. Vasishta Company. Additionally, he identified that M/s. Mantena Vasishta, a sister concern of M/s. Vasishta Company, was concerned in these contracts. The three downside areas recognized by Mr. Jolly are as follows:
1. Approximately 22 km of highway between Baratang and Azad Hind Fauj Setu, spanning from 107 km chainage to 129 km.
2. Around 12 km of highway past Rest Camp, masking 220 km chainage to 232 km.
3. Roughly 10 km of highway between Kaushalya Nagar and Gate No 15, extending from 155 km chainage to 165 km.
Mr. Jolly additional emphasised that these stretches of highway cross by way of forested areas, and the Forest Department has granted permission for building on the prevailing highway. However, the contractor, M/s. Vasishta Company, has been failing to execute the work diligently and has been offering insufficient excuses.
In mild of those points, Mr. Jolly requested the cancellation of the prevailing contract awarded to M/s Mantena Constructions Pvt. Ltd. – Vasishta Constructions Ltd. Bridge (JV). He recommended that the work ought to be re-awarded to a special contractor by way of a young course of to make sure the well timed and correct completion of the remaining highway work.
Furthermore, Mr. Jolly urged the Hon’ble Union Minister to prioritise the completion of the steadiness work on the Middle Strait – Baratang Bridge. He emphasised that this step is essential for the well-being and comfort of the individuals residing within the North & Middle Andaman area.
The issues raised by Mr. Vishal Jolly make clear the pressing want for higher highway infrastructure within the North & Middle Andaman District.
