G. Bhasker Urges Lt. Governor to Personally Inspect NH-4 from Jirkatang to Diglipur

G. Bhasker raises concerns over NH-4 road condition between Jirkatang and Diglipur
Sri Vijaya Puram:

Chairman of the Campaign Committee of the Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), Shri G. Bhasker, has urged the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to personally travel along National Highway-4 from Jirkatang to Diglipur and assess the condition of the road and the difficulties faced by residents of North and Middle Andaman.

In a press release, Bhasker said NH-4, which he described as the lifeline of North and Middle Andaman, continues to remain in poor and deteriorating condition despite repeated assurances regarding its improvement and completion.

Bhasker recalled the Chakka Jam organised by the Congress Party on November 1, 2025, which, according to him, was subsequently called off following assurances concerning the improvement and completion of NH-4.

He stated that NHIDCL had subsequently assured in writing that pending road works would be completed by the end of June 2026. According to Bhasker, however, several stretches remain incomplete or have deteriorated even after the stated deadline.

Concerns over different NH-4 stretches

Bhasker highlighted the condition of several sections of the highway.

According to the press release, the Jirkatang–Middle Strait stretch has deteriorated at several locations despite earlier work.

Between Baratang and Kadamtala, Bhasker claimed that around 80 percent of the road is in good condition, while the remaining 20 percent is yet to be completed.

He further stated that approximately 40 percent of the Kadamtala–Parlobjig Gate No. 15 stretch has been completed, while the remaining portion is in poor condition.

The Parlobjig Gate No. 15–Bakultala Junction stretch was described by Bhasker as being in extremely poor condition.

Between Bakultala and Rangat, he claimed that around 40 percent of the work has been completed, with the remaining portion still pending.

Bhasker also raised concerns over stretches that he said had previously been completed. According to the press release, the Rangat–Billiground stretch has become severely dilapidated, with the road surface having opened up at several locations.

The Billiground–Mayabunder stretch was also described as badly deteriorated, with several locations reportedly lacking a proper road surface.

Bhasker further claimed that the Mayabunder–Diglipur stretch, which had previously remained in good condition, has now deteriorated significantly and poses difficulties for motorists and commuters.

Questions over quality and accountability

Bhasker said the continued deterioration of NH-4 raises questions regarding road construction quality, supervision, monitoring and accountability.

He argued that residents of North and Middle Andaman should not have to continue facing difficulties because of delays, poor execution or inadequate monitoring of an infrastructure project of such importance.

The Congress leader also raised concerns over what he described as a possible system in which road stretches are allowed to deteriorate until the applicable warranty period expires, after which fresh tenders are issued for repairs and maintenance.

Bhasker termed the alleged practice “high-level corruption.”

The allegation was made by Bhasker in the press release and has not been independently established by Dweep Tulika.

Appeal for first-hand inspection

Bhasker has therefore urged the Lieutenant Governor to travel from Jirkatang to Diglipur using NH-4, rather than relying solely on official reports and representations.

According to him, such a visit would provide a first-hand understanding of the difficulties faced by patients, transporters, tourists, students, workers and the general public travelling along the highway.

Copies of the letter, according to the press release, have also been forwarded to the Member of Parliament for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the Chief Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, and the Executive Director of NHIDCL, Port Blair, seeking intervention and necessary action.

This report is based on a press release issued by ANTCC and reflects the claims and concerns raised by Shri G. Bhasker. The specific road-condition percentages and allegations regarding corruption have not been independently verified by Dweep Tulika.


Location: Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

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