Sri Vijaya Puram, June 14: Poor road conditions in Mithakhari village, located in the Ferrargunj tehsil of South Andaman district, have become a pressing safety concern for commuters and motorists. The village, situated along National Highway 4, also known as the Great Andaman Trunk Road (ATR), is approximately 27 kilometers from Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) and serves as a key transit point in the region.
Large potholes are now a common sight across the stretch, posing serious risks, especially during the ongoing monsoon season. Rainwater collects in the craters, concealing their depth and making them hazardous for vehicles and pedestrians alike.
“The road condition is worsening with each passing day. I have repeatedly raised concerns and questioned when the authorities plan to address this issue in my area. A few years ago, the APWD (Andaman Public Works Department) repaired the road, but within a year, it was riddled with potholes again,” said Mohd. Safiq, Pradhan of Mithakhari.
Years of water seepage combined with continuous traffic stress have weakened the surface, resulting in recurring damage. Despite previous repair attempts, the road continues to wear out rapidly, raising questions about the durability of maintenance efforts.
The issue is not limited to Mithakhari. Several parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, particularly in Scheduled Regions, face similar challenges. A glaring example is the stretch of NH-4 from Baratang to Diglipur, which is in a severely deteriorated state. The road is largely mud-covered, and iron rods can be seen protruding in several places, making it not just uncomfortable but dangerous to navigate. Despite the poor conditions, buses carrying passengers pass through this stretch every day, further underlining the daily risks faced by residents and travelers alike.
The Baratang stretch has remained in this condition for many years, with little sign of substantial repair or long-term development. The situation continues to be a critical issue for communities along the route, who depend on it for daily travel and essential connectivity.
The pattern reflects a broader problem of infrastructure oversight and a need for more sustained and long-term road solutions across the district. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Demands for Grants for the year 2025–26, a total of ₹169.51 crore has been allotted for roads and bridges in the Union Territory.
Recently, The Wave Andaman also highlighted the absence of streetlights along the North Bay stretch. While the road there is relatively smooth and well-maintained, the complete absence of lighting poses a major safety risk, especially during evening travel.
The Wave Andaman has reached out to the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD) via email for a response regarding the condition of the roads, but no reply has been received at the time of publishing.
With monsoon rains likely to continue, the situation remains critical, prompting renewed demands for timely and effective intervention by the concerned authorities.
