(a) whether the Government propose to close the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) which connects South Andaman to North Andaman and is the lifeline of rural people of North and Middle Andaman; and
(b) if so, the alternative arrangement being considered by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (MAJOR GENERAL (RETD.) B.C. KHANDURI)
(a) & (b) This Ministry is primarily responsible for the development and maintenance of National Highways only. All other roads fall within the purview of the respective State Government/Union Territory. The Andaman Trunk Road is not a National Highway and therefore does not fall within the purview of this Ministry.