Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi and discussed a range of infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity in the border districts of the northeastern state. During the meeting, Khandu sought continued support from the Centre for the development of strategic roads and related infrastructure in remote frontier areas of Arunachal Pradesh.
According to officials, the discussions mainly focused on strengthening road connectivity in regions located near the international border, where infrastructure development has remained a major challenge because of difficult terrain, harsh weather conditions, and limited access. The Chief Minister said better roads and bridges were necessary not only for security and defence movement but also for the daily lives of people living in far-flung districts.
Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh has seen major improvements in infrastructure in recent years, especially in border areas, and added that such projects have helped improve transportation, communication, and access to essential services in remote regions. He also said the ongoing infrastructure push has played an important role in strengthening border security in the sensitive frontier state.
During the meeting, special attention was given to the strategic Akajan–Likabali–Bame road corridor, which is considered an important route connecting parts of Assam with interior districts of Arunachal Pradesh. Officials said the proposed corridor includes the construction of a key bridge over the Taro Tamak River, a project that is expected to significantly improve movement between the plains of Assam and remote districts such as Upper Subansiri and Shi-Yomi.
At present, people in several remote areas face long travel hours and difficult road conditions, especially during the monsoon season when landslides and floods often disrupt connectivity. Officials believe that the completion of the road corridor and bridge project would reduce travel difficulties and improve access to administrative centres, healthcare services, markets, and educational institutions for local residents.
The proposed route is also seen as strategically important from the defence point of view. The corridor is expected to improve connectivity to forward areas near the international border and help in faster movement of security personnel and supplies when required. Sources said most portions of the road project are being handled by the Border Roads Organisation, which has been carrying out infrastructure work in several difficult and sensitive locations across Arunachal Pradesh.
Over the past few years, the Centre has increased focus on border infrastructure development in the Northeast, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh, which shares an international boundary with China. Roads, bridges, tunnels, and air connectivity projects have been taken up in several districts to improve both civilian access and strategic preparedness.
