Rangat, Nov. 1: Mounting frustration over the crumbling condition of the National Highway-4 (NH-4) — the key road link connecting South, Middle, and North Andaman — spilled onto the streets on Friday, as the Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC) staged a massive “Chakka Jam” at Rangat Bazaar.
Led by Rangalal Halder, President, ANTCC, and G. Bhasker, Chairman of the Campaign Committee, the protest drew more than 850 participants, including cab and auto drivers, traders, and residents, who continued their agitation undeterred by heavy rain.
Protesters voiced anger over the NH-4’s deplorable state, alleging that the road has remained neglected for over eight years, disrupting transport of essentials, medical emergencies, and daily commuting. In a symbolic act, demonstrators planted a banana tree in a pothole, highlighting the extent of deterioration.
Senior officials, including the ADM, N&M Andaman, Assistant Commissioner, Rangat, and GM, NHIDCL, rushed to the spot to pacify the agitated crowd. After discussions, officials assured that repair work would be fast-tracked and sought seven days to issue a written commitment.
The Congress leaders warned that if the assurance is not met, the party will intensify its agitation with a larger chakka jam.
Leaders and PRI members from Diglipur, Mayabunder, Betapur, Rangat, Baratang and other parts of the Islands extended support, underscoring widespread public resentment over the highway’s prolonged neglect.
