The Union government has assured financial assistance of ₹60 crore under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for road development works in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, following a meeting held in New Delhi on March 25.
The commitment was conveyed during discussions between Nitin Gadkari and Bishnu Pada Ray, who raised the issue of pending infrastructure needs in the island territory. Senior officials from the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, including Chief Engineer T.K. Prijit Rekh and Executive Engineer Bijju Vargese of the APWD, were also present during the meeting.
The proposal focused on securing funds for the upgradation, repair and renovation of roads, particularly in the North and Middle Andaman regions, where connectivity challenges persist due to geographical constraints and dispersed habitation patterns. The request emphasised the urgency of improving road infrastructure to support mobility and essential services in remote areas.
Taking into account the specific conditions of the islands, the Union Minister agreed to extend ₹60 crore as a special case under the CRIF scheme. The assistance is intended to address critical gaps in road infrastructure and support ongoing development requirements across the territory.
As part of the process, the Ministry has directed the Chief Engineer of the Andaman Public Works Department to submit a detailed project proposal through the administration at the earliest. The submission is required to enable formal approval and release of funds in accordance with procedural norms.
The Ministry also underlined the importance of timely submission of Utilization Certificates for funds already allocated under earlier Central Road Fund provisions. Officials indicated that compliance with this requirement is necessary to facilitate the release of further eligible allocations under CRIF.
The meeting reflects ongoing coordination between the Union government and the island administration to secure financial support for infrastructure development in geographically remote regions. Road connectivity remains a key area of focus, particularly in areas where terrain and distance pose logistical challenges for construction and maintenance.
The assurance of funds is expected to support planned works aimed at strengthening road networks and improving accessibility in the islands. The proposal, once formally approved, will be implemented through the Andaman Public Works Department under the administrative framework of the Union Territory.
The development comes amid continued efforts to address infrastructure constraints in island regions, where transportation networks play a critical role in enabling economic activity and service delivery. The CRIF allocation is part of a broader funding mechanism designed to support road development projects across states and Union Territories.
