The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has initiated urgent steps to restore the Chatham causeway, a vital link for residents and commuters in South Andaman, after safety concerns raised fears over its structural integrity. The causeway, which serves as a lifeline between Chatham Island and the main city area, is set to undergo targeted repairs to allow for the resumption of light vehicular traffic as a temporary measure.
As part of the interim plan, the administration has engaged the expertise of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Tiruchirappalli to conduct detailed tests and recommend remedial actions for the existing structure. Preliminary assessments indicate that, with proper retrofitting, the causeway could safely accommodate lighter vehicles until a permanent solution is implemented. The repair project is scheduled to begin within the next couple of months and is expected to be completed in about six months from the start date.
The need for swift action stems from the bridge’s critical role in regional connectivity. In addition to serving as a transport artery for residents, it facilitates the movement of goods, services, and emergency response vehicles. The safety concerns have therefore been treated as a high-priority matter, with the administration placing the project under top-level monitoring.
Parallel to the refurbishment effort, the administration has been pursuing long-term plans for a complete replacement of the Chatham causeway. Officials have sought intervention from the Government of India for early sanction and execution of a new bridge under central funding. A high-level meeting chaired by the Union Home Secretary on August 8, 2025, brought together senior representatives from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
During the meeting, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) was tasked with undertaking the construction of the new Chatham causeway, along with the Andaman Marine Drive road project. The consultancy contract for the new causeway has already been awarded, signalling the first concrete step toward the long-term infrastructure upgrade.
Officials say the dual-track approach, refurbishing the old causeway for limited use while fast-tracking the design and construction of a new bridge, is essential to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. Public safety, they stress, remains the foremost priority.
The causeway’s current condition has been the subject of concern for months, with visible signs of wear raising questions about its ability to handle regular traffic loads. The decision to restrict it to light vehicles after retrofitting is intended to mitigate risk while maintaining basic transport access.
While timelines for the new bridge are still being worked out, the administration has indicated that work will be pursued on a “war footing” once approvals and funding are secured. The goal is to ensure the new causeway not only meets present-day safety standards but is also capable of handling future increases in traffic volume and load capacity.
For residents, the restoration of even limited access is expected to bring relief, reducing travel detours and restoring a sense of normalcy. However, the larger expectation is for the replacement project to move quickly through the pipeline, ending the long-term uncertainty over this crucial piece of infrastructure.
