Guwahati: Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways on Wednesday said that the Centre has sanctioned Rs 1,782 crore for the development of a key road project in Arunachal Pradesh that would connect to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

Gadkari informed that the centre has approved a proposal to build an 82-kilometre-long greenfield road from Pango to Jorging in the northeastern state's Upper Siang district.

The Union Minister stated on X that the project will include two packages. The strategically important road would significantly shorten travel time for security officers, boosting their efficiency in accessing border areas, Gadkari said. Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has expressed his happiness with the development.

"The proposed project aims to ensure seamless and secure traffic flow, establishing year-round connectivity to the villages in the region, thereby catalyzing socio-economic development in the hilly areas of the district", stated a ministry spokesperson.

Khandu stated that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi administration is placing a special emphasis on improving connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh, adding that the strategic initiative aims to provide seamless communication in border areas, promote socio-economic growth, and save travel time for security troops.

In December last year, the centre sanctioned Rs 625.61 crore for the construction of a strategically important road in the Shi-Yomi district of the frontier state. The 53.04-km Tato-Monigong Road, once complete, will ensure all-weather connectivity to the India-China border region.

These developments come at a time when China is said to be developing highways and settlements along its border with Arunachal Pradesh. The region has been claimed by China as part of its territory since India's declaration of independence in 1947.

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