The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has sanctioned Rs. 4.16 crore for the comprehensive improvement of a 1.75 km stretch of State Highway No. 8 (SH-8), connecting Guptapara Junction to Manglutan Junction. The project aims to strengthen a critical transport corridor serving several enroute villages and directly benefiting over 3,722 residents.
Officials noted that the upgraded stretch will improve access to key public institutions, including Manglutan Primary Health Centre (PHC), Humfrygunj Police Station, and Guptapara Gram Panchayat Bhavan. The development is expected to enhance service delivery, improve travel convenience, and support regional mobility.
SH-8 also holds strategic importance for tourism in the Andaman Islands. The highway provides primary access to destinations such as Wandoor, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Jolly Buoy, and Red Skin Islands, which collectively attract an estimated 2,500 tourists weekly. Enhanced road infrastructure along this stretch is anticipated to improve travel safety, comfort, and overall accessibility, thereby reinforcing tourism-driven economic activity.
The sanctioned works include the extension of 22 RCC box culverts, the construction of two new RCC box culverts, and the erection of RCC retaining walls. These measures are intended to ensure the durability, resilience, and longevity of the roadway under increasing traffic and environmental demands.
The project underscores the Administration’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development, improved regional connectivity, and inclusive economic growth. By upgrading SH-8, authorities aim to address both local mobility needs and the growing demands of tourism, ensuring that residents and visitors benefit from safer and more reliable transport routes.
Officials highlighted that the project aligns with broader objectives to support critical public services and strengthen access to health, safety, and governance institutions. The improvements will facilitate easier movement for daily commuters, emergency services, and supply chains, while also bolstering the region’s capacity to handle tourist inflows efficiently.
The investment represents a strategic approach to regional infrastructure, combining community benefits with economic development. By enhancing SH-8, the Administration seeks to ensure that the transport corridor continues to serve as a lifeline for local communities while supporting the growth and sustainability of tourism in the Andaman Islands.
Work on the project is expected to improve road quality, minimize travel disruptions, and enhance resilience against environmental challenges. The upgrade reflects a long-term vision of modernizing key infrastructure to meet both current and future needs of residents and visitors in the region.
