CPI(M) Calls for Swift Action on Andaman Bridge and Road Projects

A delegation from the CPI(M) State Organising Committee recently held a crucial meeting with the Chief Engineer of the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD), emphatically urging the department to accelerate several long-stalled infrastructure projects in North and Middle Andaman. The primary focus of the discussion was on the urgent construction of bridges and the critical repair of dilapidated roads, which have significantly impacted the daily lives of local residents.

The delegation, spearheaded by CPI(M) State Organising Committee Secretary D. Ayyappan and joined by CITU State Committee President R. Surendran Pillai, meticulously outlined the hardships faced by residents in various affected areas, including Dharmapur, TV Kulam, Nishchinthpur, Paschimsagar, and Talbagan. In a concerted effort to formally document their concerns and proposed solutions, they submitted a detailed letter to the APWD, as reported by the Nicobar Times.

Pressing Bridge Requirements Highlighted

Among the most critical issues raised was the imperative need for a new reinforced concrete cement (RCC) bridge to span the CFO Nallah at TV Kulam, located within the Shivapuram Gram Panchayat. The existing Bailey bridge at this vital location has unfortunately been out of commission for several years, effectively severing vehicular and pedestrian connectivity for the community. Recognizing the urgency of the situation and the potential for prolonged delays in a permanent solution, the CPI(M) strongly advocated for the immediate installation of a temporary bridge to alleviate the current transportation challenges faced by the populace.

This particular issue is not new to the APWD; the CPI(M) has previously communicated its concerns regarding the TV Kulam bridge through formal letters to the Chief Engineer, with documented instances dating back to September 2022 and November 2023. These repeated communications underscore the protracted nature of this problem and highlight how several vital infrastructure projects have remained in a state of limbo for an unacceptably long period.

Another significant bridge project brought to the forefront was the Nishchinthpur bridge at Kalighat. Residents of the area have been persistently requesting the construction of a bridge connecting Kalighat and Nishchinthpur for several decades, a testament to its long-recognized importance. The CPI(M) delegation vehemently pressed the APWD to grant swift approval for its construction, acknowledging and amplifying the community's long-standing and critical demand.

Deteriorating Road Conditions and Their Impact

Beyond the crucial topic of bridge construction, the delegation also drew significant attention to the deplorable condition of the Kishorinagar–Paschimsagar road. Approximately two kilometers of this essential thoroughfare are reportedly in a severe state of disrepair, having been neglected for many years. This ongoing deterioration is causing considerable inconvenience and hardship for the numerous residents who reside in Paschimsagar and Talbagan, impacting their daily commutes and access to essential services.

The CPI(M) also noted that the poor state of rural roads throughout the North and Middle Andaman region is a pervasive problem, contributing to difficulties in transportation for farmers and other local businesses. They urged the APWD to conduct a comprehensive assessment of all rural roads in the area and to develop a prioritized plan for their immediate repair and maintenance, emphasizing that improved road infrastructure is fundamental for regional development and the well-being of its inhabitants.

During the productive meeting, the Chief Engineer provided the CPI(M) delegation with an update on the current status of each project discussed. While acknowledging the challenges, the delegation expressed cautious optimism that this intervention would finally catalyze the necessary actions to bring about much-needed improvements to the region's critical infrastructure. The CPI(M) reiterated its commitment to closely monitor the progress of these projects and to continue advocating on behalf of the residents until tangible results are achieved.

Source

https://nicobartimes.com/local-news/cpim-urges-apwd-to-expedite-bridge-projects-and-road-repairs-in-north-and-middle-andaman/