NH4 Project Delays and Allegations of Corruption: Unveiling the Truth Behind Andaman’s Connectivity Crisis

August 6, 2024

The NH4 highway project, a crucial development for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, remains incomplete after years of delays. Residents and politicians allege corruption and mismanagement by NHIDCL and local authorities. This report delves into the timeline of events, public complaints, and the political landscape surrounding the project.

Years of Delays, Public Outcry, and Corruption Allegations Surround the NH4 Highway Project

The NH4 project, sanctioned several years ago, is designed to enhance connectivity across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, it has become a focal point of public outrage due to significant delays and allegations of corruption and inefficiency. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the events, allegations, and political landscape surrounding the NH4 project.

Timeline of Events

2017: Project Initiation The National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) began the rehabilitation and upgradation of NH-4, aiming to improve connectivity across the islands. The project was seen as a major step forward for the region’s development.

2018: Early Challenges and Damage Reports Initial progress was hampered by logistical and environmental challenges unique to the islands. Reports emerged of damage to the highway caused by BSNL’s work, further complicating the construction efforts .

2019: Rising Discontent and Delays The project’s slow progress led to growing dissatisfaction among residents. The delay in construction severely impacted daily life, with disrupted transportation and connectivity issues becoming a major concern for the local population .

2020-2021: COVID-19 and Environmental Factors The COVID-19 pandemic and adverse weather conditions further delayed the project. Despite these challenges, residents and local leaders began voicing concerns about the project’s management and transparency.

2022: Public Outcry and Corruption Allegations Public frustration peaked as delays continued unabated. Allegations of corruption within NHIDCL and among local authorities surfaced, with claims of misallocated funds and substandard construction practices. The situation attracted significant media attention and public scrutiny .

2023: Political Intervention and Protests Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the MP at the time, staged a hunger strike demanding immediate repairs and completion of NH4. He highlighted the struggles of the local population and emphasized the importance of the project for the island’s connectivity and economy. NHIDCL officials pledged to expedite the work, but progress remained slow .

In Andaman & Nicobar UT, we have undertaken a project to upgrade and refurbish the Nimbutala-Austin Creek stretch of National Highway 223 (currently known as NH4) into a two-lane road with hard shoulders. The project, which will be carried out in Package IV, spans a length of 36… pic.twitter.com/ifWwTwk6sM
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) May 11, 2023

2024: Renewed Efforts and Continued Delays Bishnu Pada Ray, the newly re-elected MP, continued to advocate for the project’s completion. Despite his efforts, the highway remains incomplete, and public dissatisfaction is at an all-time high. Ray’s push for transparency and accountability reflects the ongoing struggle to resolve the project’s issues .

Key Issues and Allegations

Corruption and Mismanagement Residents allege widespread corruption within NHIDCL and local authorities, blaming them for the significant delays. Accusations include the misuse of allocated funds and the employment of substandard construction practices .

Environmental and Logistical Challenges While environmental conditions and logistical challenges are acknowledged, residents argue that these factors were known and should have been better managed. The consistent delays have only exacerbated the public’s frustration .

Impact on Daily Life The incomplete highway has severely disrupted daily life in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Travel between key areas has become increasingly difficult, affecting local businesses, healthcare access, and the overall quality of life for residents .

Statements and Reactions

NHIDCL and Local Authorities NHIDCL officials have maintained their commitment to completing the project, citing various challenges but assuring that efforts are being made to expedite the work. However, these assurances have done little to pacify the increasingly frustrated public .

Public Figures and Leaders Bishnu Pada Ray has been vocal about the need for swift action and accountability. His advocacy underscores the critical nature of the highway for the islands’ development and the urgent need for transparency in handling the project .

MP Bishnu Pada Ray Urges Nitin Gadkari Addressing the Poor Condition of Andaman and Nicobar Islands of NH4

Public Complaints and Media Coverage The media has extensively covered the delays and allegations, amplifying the public’s grievances. Residents have repeatedly voiced their concerns through various platforms, demanding immediate action and accountability from the authorities involved .

Supreme Court Intervention

In a significant development, the Supreme Court stayed an order by the Calcutta High Court that imposed a Rs. 100 crore fine on NHIDCL for failing to repair the NH-4. This move brought temporary relief to NHIDCL but also highlighted the judicial pressure to address the ongoing issues .

Conclusion

The NH4 project, a crucial infrastructure initiative for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, remains incomplete amid allegations of corruption and inefficiency. The delays have fueled public outrage and highlighted significant governance challenges. As residents await the completion of this vital highway, the call for transparency, accountability, and effective management grows louder.