The Central government has allocated Rs 625.61 crore for the construction of a strategically vital road in the Shi-Yomi district of Arunachal Pradesh. The Tato-Monigong Road, spanning 53.04 kilometres, is designed to establish all-weather connectivity to the India-China border, thereby promoting socio-economic development in the region.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari shared the announcement on X, stating, “An allocation of Rs 625.61 crore has been approved for the construction of an intermediate lane road with hard shoulders in Arunachal Pradesh. This road covers a distance of 53.04 kilometres from Tato to Monigong along National Highway 913, also called the Frontier Highway.”
The strategic significance of this road lies in ensuring all-weather connectivity to the Indo-China Border and fostering socio-economic development in the border regions of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Frontier Highway will stretch a total length of 1,500 km, with an additional 1,000 km of roads planned to further enhance connectivity in the region.
The entire project is estimated to cost around Rs 40,000 crore. It is seen as “one of India’s biggest and toughest” road construction projects.
The road will establish crucial connections to several significant locations, including Tawang, Mago Upper Subansiri, Upper Siang, Mechuka, Tuting, Dibang Valley, Kibithoo, Changlang, and Dong.
The project is currently being executed through a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies working closely together. These agencies include the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), and various other relevant organisations.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed his satisfaction, emphasising that the state is privileged to be at the forefront of infrastructural transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reports Economic Times.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein highlighted the pivotal role the road will play in improving connectivity, stimulating economic growth, and ensuring the security of border areas.