VD Leju urges action on Bhatubasti traffic, proposes alternate route
Social worker and LG’s Commendation Awardee, VD Leju, has called for immediate intervention to tackle the worsening traffic congestion at Bhatubasti, a critical gateway to Sri Vijaya Puram, the capital town of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
In a strongly worded representation to the Chief Secretary, Leju highlighted how Bhatubasti, once congested only during peak hours, now faces all-day traffic jams, stretching as late as 8–9 PM daily. The outdated road infrastructure, built over three decades ago, has failed to accommodate the rapid increase in vehicular movement, leading to daily delays, excessive fuel consumption, and rising pollution levels.
Acknowledging the seismic vulnerability of the islands, which limits the feasibility of flyovers and tunnels, Leju has proposed a parallel road from Prothrapur Junction via Divyum Theatre to Garacharma School. The route would bypass Bhatubasti, easing congestion and improving connectivity.
The proposed road would start from Pathargudda-Ganesh Temple, pass Atta Chakki Junction, and connect through the backside of Garacharma District Hospital to NH-4. A significant portion of this route is underutilized, making land acquisition practical and cost-effective. While a 1–2 km stretch would require fresh construction, much of the route could be developed by expanding existing rural roads.
Leju emphasized that if the plan is acted upon now, it could be completed within 4–5 years and serve the islands for the next 40–50 years. The alternate road would particularly benefit heavy commercial traffic, potentially reducing 70–80% of congestion in Bhatubasti and providing dual access routes into Sri Vijaya Puram.
Additionally, the new road would:
✅ Improve access to the upcoming District Hospital at Garacharma.
✅ Enable faster emergency response during natural disasters.
✅ Boost tourism by ensuring smoother movement to and from the capital.
✅ Align with national infrastructure goals, similar to major cities in mainland India.
Leju has marked her representation to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, NITI Aayog, and other key officials, urging swift action to ensure the execution of this crucial project.
Citing successful initiatives like the Marine Drive project and the Bambooflat-Chatham Sea Bridge, she stressed the need for ground-level traffic infrastructure to unlock the full development potential of the islands.
“This is not just about convenience—it is about preparedness, sustainability, and future-readiness,” Leju concluded, urging the administration to act before the window of opportunity is lost.
