The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are set to witness a major upgrade in infrastructure with the sanction of ₹49.98 crore for 90 road projects, bringing long-awaited relief to both municipal and rural areas. The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways approved the projects following persistent efforts by the Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray, who had highlighted the issue during Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s visit to Sri Vijaya Puram last December.
On December 28, 2024, during Gadkari’s review meeting at Raj Niwas, Ray had pointed out that the Union Territory’s limited capital budget made it impossible to repair or improve critical road infrastructure without central financial assistance. He urged the ministry to extend support under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) scheme. Taking note of the submission, Gadkari directed the A&N Administration to prepare detailed proposals for road repairs, renovations, and upgradations.
In response, the administration submitted project proposals in April and July 2025, covering roads in municipal areas and those maintained by the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD). To ensure progress, Ray continued to pursue the matter with the ministry, stressing the urgency of approval. On August 7, 2025, Gadkari accorded in-principle approval, followed by the formal sanction on August 28, 2025.
The sanctioned works include 49 projects covering all 24 municipal wards, ensuring that urban neighbourhoods will see immediate improvements in connectivity. In addition, 41 projects fall under APWD divisions: five works in CD-III Prothrapur, 29 in RCD Wimberlygunj, five in MID Hut Bay, and two in CD Campbell Bay. Collectively, the projects amount to ₹4,998.69 lakh, translating into significant relief for residents who have long endured deteriorating road conditions.
The approval is considered a landmark decision as it addresses long-pending infrastructure concerns across the islands. Road networks in both urban and rural areas have faced issues due to weather conditions, heavy usage, and limited maintenance resources. For municipal residents, the works promise better accessibility, smoother commutes, and improved civic amenities. In rural regions such as Wimberlygunj, Hut Bay, and Campbell Bay, the projects are expected to directly support livelihood activities by improving transport links for agriculture, fisheries, and local trade.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the islanders, Ray placed on record his appreciation for Gadkari’s intervention and leadership in resolving the issue. He also acknowledged the administration’s role in preparing proposals swiftly, enabling the projects to move from discussion to approval within months.
Looking ahead, the MP has appealed to the A&N Administration to expedite submission of pending proposals for North and Middle Andaman as well as other left-out areas. He emphasised that timely submission will help secure further sanctions under the CRIF scheme and ensure that all parts of the Union Territory benefit equally. Ray also reiterated his commitment to follow up with the ministry until the sanctioned works are executed and additional proposals are cleared.
The funding marks one of the largest single approvals for road infrastructure in the islands in recent years. It is expected to not only improve physical connectivity but also boost economic activity, tourism, and social mobility. Improved road conditions are likely to reduce travel time, enhance safety, and support better delivery of services across the dispersed geography of the islands.
For residents of Sri Vijaya Puram, municipal wards, and remote outlying regions, the sanction of ₹49.98 crore represents more than an infrastructure upgrade, it is an assurance of connectivity, convenience, and inclusion in the broader development framework. As the projects move towards execution, the islands anticipate a tangible transformation in everyday mobility and economic opportunities.
