Guwahati, Feb 7: To develop the far-flung areas of Arunachal Pradesh, road connectivity plays an important role, and the Centre has taken a slew of measures to develop the road connectivity of the region. The Centre has sanctioned Rs 3000 crore for three major road projects in the frontier state.
The first amount is Rs. 626.92 crore granted for Package-1 Sarli-Huri stretch on NH-913 Frontier Highway.
The 35-kilometre project is in EPC (Engineering Procurement Construction) mode in the Kurung Kumey district. It will ensure seamless and low traffic flow while also giving connectivity to villages in the region.
The second amount is Rs. 2,248.94 crore approved for the Lada-Sarli section of the National Highway No. 913 on EPC mode, catering to sparsely populated areas of Upper Arunachal.
The 105.59-km stretch will increase the communication network for security forces and also establish essential road infrastructure. The project is also seen as a means to boost economic activities and reverse migration towards vibrant border areas.
The third amount is Rs. 1014.59 crore allocated for the Kharsang-Miao-Vijaynagar-Gandhigram section of the National Highway No. 913 in the sparsely populated areas of Upper Arunachal.
The 61.55 km stretch would be developed in EPC mode and would provide connectivity to border areas, fostering socio-economic development and also promoting tourism in the area.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said, “Historic moment and fulfilling my dreams for connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh. Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi ji and the stewardship of Nitin Gadkari ji, massive amounts were sanctioned.”.
Arunachal Pradesh is one of the important northeastern states in India, which shares a boundary with Myanmar and Tibet and is occupied by China. The state has been considered strategic because it shares an international border with two neighbouring countries.
“The Centre has given top priority to the development of Arunachal Pradesh and sanctioned many road infrastructure projects in recent times to strengthen the connectivity sector. The recently announced Rs 3000 crore project will develop the road connectivity of the far-flung areas of Arunachal Pradesh. The threat from China has always been a major point for India, and therefore, the centre has taken maximum projects for its development,” said Dr. Rupak Bhattacharjee, an expert.
