The Andaman Public Works Department has initiated the tendering process for the repair of the Chatham Causeway Bridge in Sri Vijaya Puram, marking a critical step towards restoring safe and reliable connectivity between the city and Chatham Island .
The tender was floated on December 9 and is scheduled to be opened on January 2, 2026. The bridge, originally constructed in 1919, has been subjected to decades of heavy traffic and exposure to challenging weather conditions, resulting in visible structural wear and operational restrictions in recent years.
The Chatham Causeway Bridge serves as an essential link for daily commuters, government offices, residential areas and commercial establishments located on Chatham Island. Restrictions on movement over the bridge have caused inconvenience to residents and have highlighted the urgent need for intervention to address safety and accessibility concerns.
A technical assessment conducted by the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, had recommended specific structural repairs to restore the bridge’s functionality. Taking these recommendations into account, the Union Territory Administration has decided to proceed with repairs to the existing structure rather than pursuing alternative connectivity options at this stage.
Officials have indicated that the decision was influenced by the difficulties faced by the local community due to restricted movement and the importance of minimising further disruption. Proceeding with repairs is expected to provide quicker relief while ensuring the structural integrity of the bridge.
The tendering process signals the transition from assessment and planning to execution. Once a contractor is finalised, repair works are expected to focus on strengthening key structural components identified in the technical report. While details of the scope and duration of the work have not been outlined in the release, the objective is to make the bridge fully operational again.
Infrastructure projects in the Islands often face logistical challenges due to material movement constraints and weather-related delays. The administration’s decision to move ahead with the tender process at this stage suggests an intent to complete the repairs within a defined timeframe, subject to operational conditions.
The bridge’s historical significance, coupled with its functional importance, adds complexity to the repair effort. Ensuring safety while preserving the structure’s longevity is expected to be a key consideration during execution.
Restoration of seamless connectivity is anticipated to reduce travel hardships and improve daily mobility for residents of both Sri Vijaya Puram and Chatham Island. Improved access is also likely to have a positive impact on service delivery, emergency response times and economic activity in the area.
The tender process will determine the pace at which repair works can commence. For residents affected by restrictions, the move offers cautious optimism that long-standing connectivity issues will soon be addressed through structural intervention.
