Itanagar: An expert study group, assigned by the Arunachal Pradesh government to prepare a comprehensive project report for opening trade routes through the Pangsau Pass in the Indo-Myanmar sector and the Dongsengmang route via the Darranga Land Customs Station (LCS) in the Indo-Bhutan sector, submitted its findings on Monday, according to officials.
The “Pangsau Pass Trade Study Group” presented its detailed report during a PowerPoint session with the state’s Minister for Trade and Commerce, Nyato Dukam.
Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, along with senior officials from key departments—including home, planning and investment, finance, tourism, power, and land management—were also in attendance.
The report emphasised the historical significance of these trade routes for sectors such as trade, tourism, investment, cultural exchanges, and infrastructure development, including energy corridors.
It also highlighted the potential benefits for other sectors, including health, education, and natural resources, through the Pangsau Pass (connecting with Myanmar) and the Dongshengmang/Bletting route (connecting with Bhutan).
A major focus of the study was evaluating the broader economic and strategic impacts of reopening these routes.
The group assessed how cross-border connectivity could stimulate significant growth and development in Arunachal Pradesh.
The findings suggested that reviving these routes could not only strengthen trade links with Southeast Asia but also open up broader opportunities for trade across India, presenting a roadmap for economic advancement in the region, the official statement concluded.
