Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has stepped in to address the persistent delays in the National Highway-4 (NH-4) road project and the long-awaited Baratang Bridge, following concerns raised by Andaman & Nicobar Islands Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray. The intervention comes after repeated complaints over hardships faced by commuters, who have long struggled with poor road conditions between Baratang and Diglipur.
In a detailed communication dated August 21, 2025, Gadkari reviewed the project’s status and informed the MP about reasons for delays and revised timelines. He directed the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and project contractors to strictly comply with updated schedules to ensure commuter safety and uninterrupted connectivity. According to the new targets, the Baratang Bridge, one of the most critical components of the project, is now scheduled for completion by December 31, 2026.
The bridge, which will connect Middle Strait and Baratang, has been a longstanding demand of islanders. The earlier contract was terminated in June 2023 due to poor progress, leading to years of stagnation. A new contract was finally awarded in May 2025, and piling works have now begun on-site. Officials have confirmed that the contractor is fully mobilized and construction is moving forward.
Gadkari has also set revised deadlines for multiple NH-4 packages that link important stretches of North and Middle Andaman. Package III-A, which covers the Baratang to Kadamtala segment, and Package III-B, which extends from Kadamtala to Rangat Fire Station, are both scheduled for completion by March 2026. Package IV, connecting Thoratang to Austin-II in Mayabunder, along with Package II (Austin-II to Kalara Junction) and Package VIII (Kalara Junction to Lamya Bay in Diglipur), have all been given December 2025 deadlines. Together, these works form a vital part of the highway, easing travel across the islands.
While acknowledging the slow pace, the minister cited “unavoidable circumstances,” including the unusually early onset of the monsoon in April 2025, as major factors disrupting work schedules. He emphasized that strict instructions have now been issued to NHIDCL and the contractors to adhere to the new timelines without further delays.
MP Bishnu Pada Ray has welcomed the intervention, noting that during his earlier tenure in the 16th Lok Sabha, persistent monitoring and follow-ups ensured that NH-4 stretches from Chidiyatapu to Middle Strait, including the Uttara Bridge, were completed on schedule. However, he said the subsequent 17th Lok Sabha period saw reduced oversight, resulting in delays to the Baratang Bridge and other crucial stretches, which worsened daily struggles for commuters traveling between North, Middle, and South Andaman.
Ray recalled that since the beginning of the 18th Lok Sabha, he has renewed his focus on critical infrastructure and brought the issue directly to the Union Minister. Gadkari’s visit to Port Blair in December 2024 and the review meeting at Raj Niwas were turning points that revived stagnated works. The latest intervention, he said, further reassures islanders that their concerns are being addressed at the highest levels.
“The timely completion of NH-4 and the Baratang Bridge will bring immense relief to the people of North and Middle Andaman,” Ray said, thanking the minister for his direct involvement. “The revised deadlines provide a clear roadmap and accountability for the agencies concerned, ensuring that years of delays do not continue unchecked.”
The completion of NH-4 and the bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time between South Andaman and Diglipur. It will also enhance trade and transport linkages, improve access to healthcare and education, and provide a smoother travel experience for both residents and tourists. For islanders who rely heavily on road connectivity, the projects are seen as lifelines for mobility and economic activity.
With firm timelines now in place, residents await visible progress on the ground. For many, the expectation is not just the fulfillment of promises but a tangible improvement in daily life, which has been marred by prolonged detours, potholes, and unreliable travel routes. The revised completion schedules, if adhered to, could mark a decisive step in resolving one of the islands’ most pressing infrastructure challenges.
