Sri Vijay Puram, April 30: Tourists and locals can now more easily reach the iconic North Bay Lighthouse—famed for its red-and-white spiral design and its appearance on the old ₹20 currency note—thanks to a newly constructed road connecting Chunna Bhatta to North Bay. The lighthouse, perched on a rocky outcrop at the entrance to Port Blair harbour, has long drawn visitors for its sweeping views and historical significance. North Bay Island, where the lighthouse is located, is also popular for water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and sea walking.
Until recently, reaching the area meant navigating a patchy and time-consuming route. That’s now changed with the completion of a 5.5-kilometre road built by the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD), which promises smoother travel and better access for both tourists and local residents.
Inaugurated on Tuesday by the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, the road is expected to enhance last-mile connectivity and unlock new economic opportunities. “This road will strengthen last-mile connectivity and facilitate greater economic opportunities through increased tourist footfall,” he said at the launch event.
The APWD was praised for completing the project on time and for incorporating road safety features like signage and side drains. Tour operators and small business owners in the area say the development is already making a difference by easing logistics and improving the overall visitor experience. With the new road in place, visiting one of the Islands’ most scenic and recognizable landmarks just got a lot easier.
Built during the British colonial era, the North Bay Lighthouse on North Bay Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands remains a vital navigational aid for ships entering the harbour of Sri Vijaya Puram. A climb of about 150 steps brings visitors to its summit, where breathtaking views of the emerald waters and nearby islands await. The lighthouse, once featured on the old ₹20 currency note, continues to captivate tourists with its historic charm and panoramic vistas. Many describe the experience as surreal, likening it to heaven on Earth, and a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Andaman Islands
