Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari on Thursday dedicated road and bridge projects worth Rs 9533 crores to the people of the State at separate events in Roing and Ziro.
In Roing under Lower Dibang Valley district, Gadkari inaugurated bridges across the Dibang and Lohit River System, including approach road between Chowkham-Digaru. The total length of this project is 30.95 km and cost is Rs 1508.30 crore.
The Union Minister also inaugurated the recently two-laned, 25.14 km Mahadevpur to Buri Dihing section of NH-52 B, constructed at a cost of Rs 136.60 crore and the 22.23 km Bordumsa- Namchik section of NH-52 B constructed at a cost of Rs 189.91 crore.
Besides, Gadkari laid the foundation stones for about 96.47 km of national highways projects costing Rs 2114.82 crore in Roing.
These include 2 laning of the 74.86 km Roing-Hunli Section of Hunli-Anini Road (NH-313) at a cost of Rs 1718.59 crore, 2 laning of the 11.31km Hayuliang-Hawai Road section of NH-113 at Rs 256.66 crore and the 10.3 km Hunli-Anini section of NH-313 at a cost of Rs 139.37 crore.
At Ziro in Lower Subansiri district, Gadkari laid the foundation for 472 km of national highways costing Rs.5583.92 crore. These projects include the 26.12 km Akajan-Likabali-Bame road at Rs 374.73 crore and 6 packages on Joram-Kolorlang Road on NH-713 for a total length of 94.39 km and cost Rs 1253.19 crore.
The Union Minister also relaunched a project for 2 laning of 351.38 km of Potin to Pangin section of NH-229 at a cost of Rs 3956 crore.
Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari assured the people of Arunachal that the Centre will leave no stone unturned in support for the development of Arunachal. He said the new highways and bridges to come will ensure quicker, safer, all weather connectivity for the people of State.
“These infrastructure projects will transform the picture of the state by way of development, job creation and employment for the youth in the region,” he said.
While complimenting the agencies involved for timely completion of projects despite obstacles like acquisition of land, forest and environment clearances etc., the minister assured the state government that the two projects which could not take off will be reassessed and work will be initiated at the earliest.
Gadkari also stated that the road network in Arunachal Pradesh has increased from 1804 km to 2885 km since the NDA government came to power.
He also stated that around Rs 28,000 crore is being spent on expanding road network in the state.
Also speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Pema Khandu asserted that the state government will strictly deal as per law anyone involving in corruption related to highway compensation.
He said due to land compensation issues and exorbitant compensation rates; the Potin-Pangin Highway is unable to progress well despite the project being launched in 2008.
He said in Bopi-Potin road, excess of compensation amount has been disbursed, which was disclosed after reassessment of the rates.
Calling for change in mindset to create an environment conducive for development, the chief minister said highway construction in western part of Arunachal is moving at slow pace compared to eastern areas where it much faster.
Khandu said state government is taking every effort to expedite the Potin – Pangin road and has divided the project into 9 packages. He also said a new survey has been conducted for realignment that will reduce the 407 km road to 352 km.
The chief minister further appealed the Union Minister to lend his support in every capacity for development of Arunachal.
He said Arunachal has lot to benefit from his vast knowledge, experience and expertise. He urged Gadkari for giving a proper hand holding to the state particularly in the development of green industry as the state has huge potential in agri-horti, tourism and hydropower.
The chief minister on the occasion also appreciated the Apatani Youth Association for carrying out clean election campaign through awareness meetings at the community level.
Also present on the occasion were MoS for Home Kiren Rijiju, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, RWD Minister Bamang Felix, BJP state president Tapir Gao, Chief Secretary Satya Gopal and local MLA Tage Taki.
