Desk:The Indian government has approved the construction of a major highway near the China border, enhancing connectivity to remote areas and making it easier to travel between Arunachal Pradesh and other states. Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as part of its territory under the name Tawang, has received a direct message from India with this large infrastructure project. The announcement was made by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju during a fair in Kamle district, Arunachal Pradesh. He stated that the highway will pass through 12 districts along the China-India border, calling it a dream come true and a game-changer for the northeastern states.
Rijiju revealed that the highway will cost ₹42,000 crores, making it the largest infrastructure project approved by the central government in a single funding approval. He emphasized that the Arunachal Frontier Highway would be strategically significant and more important than other major projects like the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, Kolkata-Chennai Highway, and Jaipur-Delhi Corridor. This highway will pass through strategically sensitive districts in Arunachal Pradesh such as East Kameng, Bishom, Upper Subansiri, Shi-Yomi, Anjaw, and Changlang. Rijiju credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making this project a reality.
According to available information, the highway will be 1,400 kilometers long, with some sections located just 20 kilometers from the China border. Rijiju made the announcement at the Nyokum Yolo festival in Arunachal Pradesh, attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Rijiju highlighted that this region, traditionally far from national highways, was now receiving attention, marking a historic moment.
Vice President Dhankhar praised the project as the realization of Rijiju’s long-held dream to secure approval for such a crucial highway for Arunachal Pradesh. He confirmed that the funding had been approved and work was set to begin. The Nyokum Yolo festival, attended by both Rijiju and the Vice President, is one of the most important festivals for the Nishii tribe of Arunachal Pradesh.