The Indian government has committed INR 6,000 crore to construct the Frontier Highway in Arunachal Pradesh, enhancing connectivity along the India-Tibet-China-Myanmar border. This strategic infrastructure, covering 1,748 kilometres just 20 km from the international border, is set to begin construction by April. Aimed at bolstering border security and regional economic growth, the project will be developed in collaboration with multiple agencies and is expected to generate significant local employment. Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the project's role in facilitating economic development and supporting strategic defence initiatives, marking a significant step towards national security and prosperity.
The Indian Government, through its Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, has allocated approximately INR 6,000 crore for the development of the Frontier Highway in Arunachal Pradesh. This ambitious infrastructure project aims to construct an 11-package, 1,748-kilometre two-lane highway, enhancing access to the India-Tibet-China-Myanmar border. Positioned a mere 20 kilometres from the international border at various points, the highway's construction is set to commence by April this year.
This investment shows the government's commitment to strengthening the nation's border infrastructure, addressing both strategic defence needs and fostering regional economic growth. A senior official from the Ministry of Road Transport highlighted that the construction will be a collaborative effort involving the state's Public Works Department, the Border Roads Organisation, and the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation. The project is planned to roll out in phases, with an optimistic outlook to tender nearly 400 kilometres of this vast roadway across Arunachal Pradesh and the entire Northeast by the end of the current financial year, promising substantial employment opportunities for local communities.
During the announcement, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasised the highway's strategic importance, stating that its development is expected to not only enhance connectivity to the border areas but also spur economic activity and reverse migration trends in Arunachal Pradesh. The initiative aims to address the dual goals of strengthening national security and promoting socio-economic development in the border regions.
The decision to construct a two-lane highway reflects careful planning, as the route traverses through less populated areas of upper Arunachal Pradesh, thereby meeting both traffic demands and strategic military movement requirements efficiently. Moreover, Gadkari pointed out the infrastructure project's potential to connect vital river basins and support the growth of several hydropower projects within the state, contributing to India's sustainable energy goals.
In conclusion, the allocation of INR 6,000 crore for the Frontier Highway project marks a significant step towards reinforcing India's border security and catalysing economic development in its northeastern frontier. By improving infrastructure in strategically crucial and underdeveloped areas, the government not only aims to safeguard national interests but also to enhance the quality of life for the region's inhabitants, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future.