New Delhi, July 30, 2023 – Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced on Sunday that the Central Government has given its approval for the upgradation of 91 roads and the construction of 30 long-span bridges in Arunachal Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). These development projects are set to bring about a significant transformation in the state’s rural connectivity and socio-economic development.
The total length of the 91 roads slated for upgradation is approximately 720.75 kilometres, with the entire initiative expected to cost Rs 757.58 crore. Rijiju, who is also the Minister of Earth Sciences, highlighted the significance of these projects and stressed the need for their early completion. He stated that these development endeavors would enhance the accessibility of 500 habitations located in several districts, including Changlang, Dibang Valley, East Kameng, East Siang, Kamle, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, Lepa Rada, Lohit, Longding, and Lower Dibang Valley.
Additionally, residents of Lower Siang, Lower Subansiri, Namsai, Pakke Kessang, Papum Pare, Siang, Tawang, Tirap, Upper Siang, Upper Subansiri, West Kameng, and West Siang districts will also reap the benefits of improved connectivity brought about by these projects.
Union Minister Rijiju expressed optimism about the state’s future development, stating, “More development projects will come up over the next five years.” He credited the double-engine governance model led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and Chief Minister Pema Khandu in the state for finally bringing Arunachal Pradesh its much-deserved attention and resources.
The primary goal of these infrastructural upgrades is to provide all-weather surfacing to remote and far-flung habitations in the state, ultimately facilitating overall socio-economic progress. With better surface connectivity, residents will have enhanced access to educational institutions, agricultural markets, and healthcare centers, which would significantly benefit students, farmers, and patients alike.
In particular, Rijiju stressed that improved access to schools would likely result in increased school attendance and better opportunities for higher studies. Furthermore, the initiative is expected to bolster the agricultural sector by enabling farmers to reach markets more efficiently, thereby expanding their income prospects.
The Union Minister also underlined the positive impact these projects would have on healthcare services, as they would allow patients to access medical facilities more swiftly and conveniently. This advancement in infrastructure is likely to lead to improved healthcare outcomes and a higher quality of life for residents across the state.
The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana has been a flagship program of the Indian government aimed at enhancing rural connectivity by providing all-weather roads to unconnected and under-connected habitations. With the recent sanctioning of these road and bridge projects in Arunachal Pradesh, the government is taking significant strides towards fulfilling its commitment to uplift the living standards and overall development of the northeastern state.
In conclusion, the sanctioning of 91 road upgradation projects and 30 bridge constructions in Arunachal Pradesh under the PMGSY reflects the government’s dedication to ensuring the growth and prosperity of the region. As these projects come to fruition, the state’s rural connectivity and accessibility to essential services are poised to witness a remarkable transformation, heralding a new era of progress and development in Arunachal Pradesh.
