A massive chakka jam by residents and local organisations in Rangat brought vehicular movement to a halt on Monday as frustrations over the poor condition of NH-4 spilled onto the streets. The protest, which began at 7 a.m., continued late into the night, with demonstrators demanding immediate road construction and proper black-topping along the North and Middle Andaman stretch.
Protesters said the highway has remained in a deteriorated state for years, making travel unsafe and unpredictable. The recent spike in accidents, coupled with heavy rains, has intensified public anger toward the administration and the highway authority. Many accused officials of repeatedly promising that work would begin soon, but failing to deliver any visible progress on the ground.
Residents described the highway as “practically non-existent” in several stretches, forcing commuters to navigate deep potholes and uneven surfaces. NGOs and community groups joined the agitation, saying that the road has become a daily risk for schoolchildren, office-goers, and transport operators.
The chakka jam continued until around 1 a.m., when the Additional District Magistrate of North and Middle Andaman reached the protest site and assured the crowd that immediate steps would be taken. While the assurance led most participants to disperse, a small group continued their demonstration, insisting that they would not withdraw until physical work begins on-site rather than on paper.
Residents said the protest was a result of years of frustration, neglected appeals, and repeated administrative delays. Transporters reported rising maintenance costs and frequent disruptions due to the worsening condition of the NH4 – highway, which serves as a critical lifeline for the region.
Community leaders stated that the agitation will intensify if authorities fail to act promptly, adding that the people have lost patience with promises and now want “machines on the ground.”
The NH-4 stretch through North and Middle Andaman remains one of the region’s most crucial routes, connecting major habitations and facilitating the movement of goods. Locals said that unless the construction work starts without further delay, the protests are likely to escalate in the coming days.
