Centre Allocates ₹398 Crore for Road Projects in Arunachal Pradesh to Boost Connectivity
Arunachal Pradesh, the Union government has allocated ₹398 crore for 19 road development projects in the state for the 2024-25 fiscal year. This funding, announced by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, will be utilized under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF). The primary objective of these projects is to enhance last-mile connectivity in the border areas of Arunachal Pradesh, a state known for its rugged terrain and remote locations.
The road infrastructure projects are part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen connectivity in the northeastern region, with a particular focus on remote and border areas. By improving access to these hard-to-reach regions, the government aims to foster socio-economic development, enhance regional integration, and ensure smoother transportation of goods and services. Improved roads will not only connect isolated communities but also facilitate better trade, communication, and mobility for both people and goods. This ₹398 crore allocation is part of a larger plan for the development of infrastructure across the North-East. A total of 190 infrastructure projects, covering a cumulative length of 3,856 km and costing ₹81,540 crore, are currently under construction in the region. These projects are expected to be completed by September 2028 and will significantly contribute to the overall development of the northeastern states. The initiatives will address key issues such as accessibility, economic growth, and regional stability.
Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, expressed his gratitude for this vital funding from the central government. He described the funding as transformative, emphasizing that it would not only improve connectivity in the state’s border and remote areas but also help boost economic growth, create new opportunities, and improve the livelihoods of the local population. For Arunachal Pradesh, better roads mean easier access to markets, better healthcare, education, and employment opportunities for its citizens.
The allocated ₹398 crore will be used to build and upgrade key roads, making it easier for residents of Arunachal Pradesh to travel to and from border areas. These improvements will also support defense and security operations, given the state’s strategic location along the international border. The enhanced transportation network will help reduce the isolation of these regions and ensure smoother transit for both civilian and military purposes. The development of road infrastructure is expected to play a crucial role in regional integration, enabling Arunachal Pradesh to better connect with the rest of the country and the neighboring regions. By improving transportation, the state will be able to attract more investments, which in turn will lead to better economic opportunities for the local population. The improved infrastructure is also likely to create a ripple effect, benefiting various sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing, thus contributing to the region’s overall growth.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by the northeastern states. Arunachal Pradesh, with its rugged mountains and remote valleys, requires specialized infrastructure development to overcome natural barriers to connectivity. The funding for road development projects in the state marks a significant step toward bridging the gap between urban centers and the more remote and underserved regions. The ₹398 crore allocated for road development in Arunachal Pradesh is a vital investment in the state’s infrastructure. It will not only improve connectivity to remote and border areas but also foster economic growth, enhance livelihoods, and support regional integration. This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to boost infrastructure in the northeastern region, promoting balanced and inclusive development for all.
