Rural road infrastructure across parts of South Andaman is set for improvement after foundation stones were laid for a series of road renovation and upgradation projects under the Central Road Fund. The initiative covers multiple Gram Panchayats and aims to strengthen rural connectivity while improving travel safety for residents.
The foundation stones for the projects were laid by Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament representing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, during a programme held on Friday. The works fall under Phase-I of the Central Road Fund and include the renovation and improvement of rural roads at eleven different locations in South Andaman district.
According to details shared during the programme, the road projects will benefit several Gram Panchayat areas including Calicut, Sippighat, Guptapara, Wandoor, Humfrygunj, Tushnabad (Habdipur), Mithakhari and Namunaghar.
Officials indicated that the projects involve renovation and improvement works intended to enhance the condition of existing rural roads. Such upgrades are expected to improve road durability, ensure smoother travel and reduce difficulties faced by residents during daily commuting.
The programme was attended by Prakash Adhikari, Adhyaksh of the Zilla Parishad for South Andaman, along with representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions from the respective areas. Zilla Parishad members, Panchayat Samiti members and Pradhans of the concerned Gram Panchayats were present during the ceremony, along with officials of the Andaman Public Works Department and local residents.
The Central Road Fund scheme supports infrastructure development by providing financial assistance for road improvement works, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Projects sanctioned under the fund typically focus on strengthening connectivity between villages, improving accessibility to essential services and facilitating smoother transportation networks.
During the programme, the Member of Parliament acknowledged the support extended by the Government of India in approving the funds required for the works. The rural road upgrades are expected to address connectivity challenges faced by residents in several Gram Panchayat areas of South Andaman.
Local infrastructure development projects such as rural road improvements are considered important for improving access to markets, educational institutions and healthcare facilities, particularly in geographically dispersed island regions. Improved roads also contribute to safer travel conditions and reduced transportation difficulties during monsoon periods when road surfaces often deteriorate.
Representatives of local Panchayati Raj Institutions highlighted the significance of the projects for their respective areas, noting that better road conditions can ease daily travel for residents and improve connectivity between villages and nearby towns.
Residents present during the programme welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation for the road development works. Many noted that the improvement of rural roads would make commuting easier and enhance access to nearby localities.
Officials from the public works department indicated that the renovation and improvement activities will be carried out in accordance with the sanctioned project plans. Once completed, the upgraded roads are expected to support smoother traffic movement and improve the overall transport infrastructure in the affected areas.
The projects form part of broader efforts to strengthen infrastructure in the islands through targeted development works. By focusing on rural connectivity, authorities aim to ensure that residents in different Gram Panchayats benefit from improved transport facilities and safer road conditions.
With foundation stones now laid for the eleven locations under the Central Road Fund Phase-I, the projects are expected to move into the implementation stage in the coming months, marking a step toward improving road infrastructure across several rural pockets of South Andaman.
