TSG Bhasker, Chairman of the Campaign Committee of the Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), has once again written to the Chief Secretary, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, requesting immediate permission for autorickshaws to ply over the Chatham Bridge. The appeal comes amid mounting public inconvenience caused by restrictions on vehicular movement across the vital bridge connecting Chatham Island with Port Blair.
In his letter, Bhasker highlighted the severe difficulties faced by residents of Bambooflat and neighbouring Panchayats who rely on this route for their daily commute. Due to the current ban on autorickshaws, cars, and buses, commuters are forced to walk nearly a kilometre from Chatham Jetty to the main road, often braving harsh sunlight or heavy rain. This has particularly affected senior citizens, schoolchildren, working commuters, and women carrying infants, making daily travel a major struggle.
Bhasker acknowledged the Administration’s efforts in deploying a single battery-operated rickshaw to assist commuters but emphasized that it remains inadequate given the large number of people who use the route every day. He noted that the measure, while well-intentioned, falls short of addressing the scale of inconvenience faced by residents and tourists alike.
The closure of Chatham Bridge to regular traffic was initially imposed based on the recommendation of a technical team that assessed the bridge’s structural safety. However, Bhasker urged the Administration to conduct a fresh and independent structural stability survey through another competent agency to reassess the condition of the bridge. Based on the new findings, he suggested that the authorities should consider relaxing the restrictions, at least for light vehicles such as autorickshaws, to ease daily commuting challenges.
Reaffirming his commitment to representing public concerns, the ANTCC leader said that the Administration’s decision to permit autorickshaws would significantly alleviate public hardship and restore convenience for thousands who depend on this route. Bhasker also stressed that ensuring safe and accessible transport links is vital to maintaining the economic and social mobility of residents in the South Andaman region.
The Chatham Bridge remains a crucial link between Port Blair and nearby islands, and the issue has drawn increasing attention from residents and local representatives who have repeatedly appealed for a balanced solution that prioritizes both safety and public convenience.
