GUWAHATI: The Centre has given the green light to seven crucial bridge projects in Arunachal Pradesh, with a total estimated cost of Rs 118.5 crore.
Union Road Transport and Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari announced this pivotal decision, marking a significant step towards improving infrastructure and connectivity in the state.
“Under the Setu Bandhan Scheme, we have granted approval for 7 bridge projects with a cumulative cost of ?118.50 crores, intended for the state of Arunachal Pradesh in the fiscal year 2023-24,” Gadkari posted a popular micro-blogging website.
Among the approved projects, two reinforced cement concrete (RCC) bridges are slated to be constructed over the Pacha river in Lachang and Goang areas, located in the East Kameng district. Additionally, three more bridges have received the go-ahead for construction on NH-313, spanning from Roing-Anini road to New Chidu village via NHPC colony, in the Lower Dibang district.
These projects are expected to not only bridge existing connectivity gaps but also stimulate economic development in the region.
The approval of these projects has garnered the appreciation of Chief Minister, Pema Khandu. Expressing his satisfaction with the Centre’s commitment to the state’s development, he shared his sentiments on social media.
“Bridging gaps in connectivity through Setu Bandhan Scheme has been possible, thanks to the unwavering commitment of Hon PM Shri @narendramodi ji to all-round development of Arunachal Pradesh. New bridges will improve our people’s ease of living and give a boost to the local economy too,” he wrote on a micro-blogging website.
The enhanced connectivity will not only facilitate ease of travel but also contribute to the economic growth and are aimed at bolstering strategic connectivity along its state’s international borders.
Earlier on October 5, the Chief Minister had revealed plans to construct a 1,500 km-long Frontier Highway, which will run parallel to the India-Tibet-China-Myanmar border, bringing transformative changes in road connectivity.
The Chief Minister had added that the Frontier Highway’s completion will serve as a powerful deterrent to migration from border areas and facilitate the much-needed development in remote regions. He estimated the entire project’s cost at approximately Rs 40,000 crore.
