Urgent Call for Tender Process to Construct Bridge in Madhupur

Port Blair, India Aug 20, 2026 ALN: In a pressing appeal to the local administration, Mr. Shribash Ch. Das, a Zilla Parishad Member of Madhupur, has called for the expedited tender process for the long-delayed construction of a reinforced cement concrete (RCC) bridge across a nallah. This bridge is crucial for the residents of Ward Nos. 5 and 6 in Madhupur village, located under the Diglipur Tehsil. The absence of this bridge has been a significant impediment to the daily lives of the villagers, impacting their access to essential services and infrastructure.

Speaking to Sheekha Daily, Mr. Das highlighted that the project has been pending for nearly four-and-a-half years, despite the demand for the bridge having existed for several decades. The need for a reliable crossing over the nallah has been articulated by community members over the years, particularly as the population in the area has grown and the demand for better connectivity has increased. One of the significant challenges that delayed the project was the non-availability of land. Resolving land-related issues took considerable time, but progress has been made, and the community is now optimistic about the future of this critical infrastructure project.

During his tenure as Adhyaksh of the North & Middle Zilla Parishad, Mr. Das worked diligently to resolve the land issues, allowing the project to move forward. His proactive approach and engagement with various stakeholders have been instrumental in overcoming bureaucratic hurdles. He stated that an estimate for the construction work was prepared, and the proposal has been included in the priority list, receiving the necessary approvals from the concerned departments. This indicates a positive shift in the project's status, moving from the planning phase to the brink of actual construction.

Currently, the project file is being processed at the Chief Engineer’s office, and Mr. Das has been informed that most formalities are complete. He emphasized the urgency of floating the tender so that construction can finally commence. The tendering process is a critical step in public works projects, as it allows for the selection of a contractor who will carry out the construction work. Delays in this process can lead to further postponements and frustrations among the local populace.

Mr. Das has actively pursued this matter with the Public Works Department and has engaged with authorities at the Secretariat to address procedural difficulties that arose during the project’s planning stages. His advocacy reflects a broader concern for infrastructural development in rural areas, where access to resources and services is often limited. He has urged the Public Works Department (APWD) to prioritize this long-pending work and initiate the tender process without further delay, emphasizing that the community's needs should be at the forefront of governmental decision-making.

“The land issue, which was the major obstacle, has now been resolved, and the project has received the required planning approval. The tender should now be floated at the earliest,” Mr. Das stated. His comments resonate with the sentiments of many residents who have been waiting patiently for the bridge to be constructed. The anticipation is palpable, as the bridge is not merely a convenience but a necessity for daily life.

Previously, Sheekha Daily reported on the challenges faced by residents due to the absence of a bridge over the nallah separating Ward Nos. 5 and 6. Villagers have expressed that school-going children are particularly affected, as the school is located across the nallah. Without a bridge, children must travel nearly 3.5 kilometers to reach school, while crossing the proposed bridge would reduce their journey to just a few minutes. This situation highlights the educational disparities that can arise from inadequate infrastructure, as children are forced to expend more time and energy on travel rather than focusing on their studies.

Moreover, villagers have raised safety concerns, noting that the nallah is home to crocodiles, which has led to tragic incidents, including the loss of two lives. The construction of the long-demanded bridge is thus viewed as an urgent public necessity. The risks associated with crossing the nallah without a bridge are significant, and the community has expressed a collective desire for a safer solution. The presence of wildlife adds an additional layer of urgency to the project, as the safety of residents, particularly children, is paramount.

As the community awaits action, the hope is that the tender process will begin soon, paving the way for the much-needed bridge that will enhance safety and accessibility for the residents of Madhupur. The implications of this project extend beyond mere transportation; it represents a step toward improved quality of life, increased educational opportunities, and enhanced safety for all villagers. The successful execution of this project could serve as a model for future infrastructure developments in similar rural contexts, demonstrating the importance of responsive governance and community engagement in addressing public needs.