In a significant move aimed at enhancing connectivity and socio-economic development in Arunachal Pradesh, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced the sanctioning of Rs 6,621.62 crore for the construction of eight packages on National Highway-913, designated as the Frontier Highway.
This comprehensive project, spanning a total length of 265.49 Km, will transition to an Intermediate Lane configuration using the EPC mode. Encompassed within this initiative are various sections, including the Huri-Taliha, Bile-Migging, Kharsang-Maio-Gandhigram-Vijaynagar, and Bomdila-Nafra-Lada stretches.
Minister Gadkari emphasised that the development of these highway stretches holds promise for bolstering connectivity to border areas, thereby fostering socio-economic growth in the region. The construction of the Frontier Highway is expected to mitigate migration trends and facilitate reverse migration towards the border areas of Arunachal Pradesh.
Furthermore, these stretches will play a crucial role in establishing essential road infrastructure connecting significant river basins, thus enabling the development of numerous hydropower projects within the state. This predominantly greenfield road is designed to link uninhabited and sparsely populated areas of Upper Arunachal, making it conducive to tourism. Anticipating a substantial increase in traffic due to heightened tourism activities in the future, the minister added that the project holds immense potential for the state’s economic and infrastructural advancement.