The Chandranagar bridge over Senki river was opened for all types of vehicles by Changlang (South) MLA and advisor to PWD minister Phosum Khimhun on Sunday.

Speaking on the occasion, Khimhun said 80% the road construction under package A of NH-415 (Chandranagar, Itanagar to Papu Nallah, Naharlagun) is almost complete.

He said the people will soon get good roads in the Itanagar Capital Region as promised by chief minister Pema Khandu.

Khimhun said traffic congestion would now be eased after the opening of the Chandranagar two-lane RCC Bridge.

The present bridge would be dismantled and work on a new double-lane RCC bridge of the same specification will start soon, he said.

Khimhun said the present state government is fully focused on the connectivity of the state and roads in the capital mirror those of the state.

“A team of engineers is monitoring the construction works, and much of the road is completed except the Bank Tinali underpass. I am satisfied with the progress of work,” he said.

ICR deputy commissioner Komkar Dulom said Package B and C of NH-414 from Papu Nallah to Banderdewa will start very soon.

“After disbursement of compensation to all affected families of the stretch, the demolition within RoW will start,” he said, adding the district administration has sought funds for the demolition exercise.

“The demolition charge is about Rs 12 crore and we have sent the proposal to the state government for approval. The compensation for PHE and power departments has already been made during the disbursement of Package A by my predecessor,” Dulom said.

He requested the citizens to cooperate with the state government for the construction of a good road in package B and C.

Dulom, however, expressed disappointment over some people illegally destroying the newly-constructed highway for individual benefits by damaging the divider and digging to lay water pipelines to their houses.

He requested the people to desist from such activities and approach the authority concerned for permission if needed.

Highway chief engineer Kuru Sera said the Chandannagar bridge has been opened but the blacktopping will be completed by Monday.

“A few important works such as cleaning, painting and levelling the approaches will be done side by side,” he said.

The abutment of the left bank of the second bridge at Chandannagar is completed. We will take up the smooth construction of the right bank with TK Engineering, Sera added.

Damien Lepcha is Northeast Now Correspondent in Arunachal Pradesh. He can be reached at: [email protected]