In a response issued by the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD), officials confirmed that plans are in motion to address the poor condition of roads in the Mithakhari region. The development follows a formal communication sent by The Wave Andaman to the APWD, highlighting growing public concern and demanding clarity on the status of inspections, repair schedules, and inter-agency coordination related to the area’s damaged roadways.
The APWD has acknowledged awareness of the issue and clarified that the stretch in question falls under the jurisdiction of State Highway 12 (SH-12), not National Highway 4 (NH-4) as often assumed. This distinction is important, as it places the responsibility for repairs squarely on the APWD, rather than on the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). In its official statement, the department stated, “Yes, we are aware of the condition of the Mithakhari road.”
The department further revealed that a survey covering the entire SH-12 route from Saithankhari to Ograbrai Junction was conducted in 2024. In addition, engineers from the department, including Junior Engineers (JE), Assistant Engineers (AE), and Executive Engineers (EE), have been making frequent visits to monitor the road conditions, particularly during the ongoing monsoon season. Based on the survey data and field inspections, estimates are currently being prepared for both temporary repairs and long-term restoration.
One of the key challenges identified by the department is the rapid deterioration of the road surface during the monsoon months. The constant rainfall, combined with the movement of heavy vehicles, has resulted in the development of large potholes and weakened stretches. “Due to frequent rain during monsoon and movement of heavy vehicles on this road, potholes are forming in many places,” the department explained.
Despite the weather-related limitations, APWD has initiated interim measures to improve the situation. Major potholes are being patched with cement concrete, a material better suited for wet conditions, as bituminous resurfacing cannot be undertaken during periods of continuous rainfall. “Major potholes are being repaired routinely with departmental workers using cement concrete because during rain, bituminous work cannot be taken up,” the department said.
Furthermore, APWD informed that a contract for comprehensive maintenance work on this stretch has already been awarded. The department is awaiting the onset of fair weather conditions to commence this work in full capacity. Once dry conditions prevail, more permanent repair activities, including potential blacktopping and surface strengthening, will be carried out.
In a long-term plan for road improvement, the department disclosed that an estimate for the widening and strengthening of a 10.44-kilometre section of SH-12 has been submitted under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF). The proposal includes widening the existing road to accommodate rising traffic volumes better and to ensure greater road durability. The file is currently under consideration for Administrative Approval and Expenditure Sanction (A/A & E/S) by the competent authority. “After getting sanction, the same road will be improved properly,” the department stated.
The Wave Andaman had reached out to the APWD following a surge in public complaints and safety concerns raised by commuters, residents, and local business operators, many of whom rely on this road for daily transportation. With the area prone to seasonal road degradation and logistical strain due to increased vehicular load, residents had expressed frustration at the lack of visible action on the ground.
As of now, while immediate repair works are being handled through temporary solutions, the department has assured that both routine inspections and a structured development plan are in place. Commuters in the Mithakhari area await tangible improvements once the weather stabilises and funding sanctions are cleared.
