Sri Vijaya Puram, May 23: Thousands of commuters using the Chatham route continue to face severe inconvenience as transportation difficulties linked to the prolonged renovation of the Chatham Bridge show no signs of easing, with residents alleging daily delays, overcrowding and inadequate connectivity between Bambooflat and Sri Vijaya Puram.
Passengers travelling through the route said people owning four-wheelers are being forced to leave their homes two to three hours early every morning to secure a place on the vehicle ferry service, fearing long queues and missed trips. Students and office-goers travelling towards colleges and workplaces by 8:30 am or 9 am are among the worst affected, with many struggling to reach on time because of limited ferry availability.
Several commuters claimed the uncertainty surrounding ferry movement has disrupted their daily routine to such an extent that some leave home without breakfast in order to avoid getting stranded.
The difficulties are not limited to vehicle owners. Passengers depending on the Chatham boat service also reported long waiting periods to board marine boats, often choosing the route to avoid walking long distances to access the main road.
However, after reaching the jetty, commuters said they are still forced to walk considerable distances under harsh sunlight or heavy rain because buses, auto-rickshaws and other transport services are located far from the jetty point.
The situation has become particularly difficult for elderly citizens, women and patients travelling towards GB Pant Hospital and nearby areas. Passengers alleged that people with health complications are often left with no option but to walk long distances after disembarking from boats due to the absence of transport connectivity near the jetty.
Residents have demanded immediate intervention from the administration, urging authorities to either restore normal movement across the Chatham Bridge, increase the number of marine boats operating on the route, or arrange better transport facilities such as buses and auto-rickshaws closer to the jetty area.
Amid growing public frustration, TSG Bhasker, Chairman of the Campaign Committee of Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee, has raised concern over the prolonged delay in the renovation work of the Chatham Bridge.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, Bhasker stated that despite repeated representations, there has been no visible progress in the renovation work for nearly a year.
He alleged that the continued delay, without any official clarification regarding the status of the project, reasons for the slowdown or expected completion timeline, has created frustration and uncertainty among the public.
Describing the bridge as a lifeline for residents of Bambooflat and adjoining areas, Bhasker said an infrastructure project of such importance cannot remain stalled indefinitely without proper communication from the authorities.
He urged the administration to disclose the present status of the renovation work, explain the reasons behind the delay and announce a timeline for completion, while also taking urgent measures to expedite the work and ease the burden on daily commuters.
