Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday hailed the Arunachal Frontier Highway as a “game changer” for the state’s border areas, announcing that Rs 42,000 crore will be invested in the project, marking the highest allocation ever made by the Centre for a single project.
Speaking at the 39th Statehood Day celebrations in Arunachal Pradesh, Rijiju emphasized that the 1,400 km long Arunachal Frontier Highway will transform the region by connecting 12 districts along the India-China boundary, including Tawang, Mago, Upper Subansiri, Mechuka, and Vijaynagar.
The project, which will feature an 800 km greenfield section and new tunnels and bridges, aims to significantly boost infrastructure and connectivity in the state.
Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K T Parnaik also addressed the event, acknowledging the state’s development and reaffirming the government’s commitment to boosting infrastructure. Parnaik highlighted the importance of education, cleanliness, and addressing the growing drug menace in the state. He urged the community to take responsibility for maintaining hygiene and environmental management.
At the event, Chief Minister Pema Khandu discussed the newly framed rules under the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), clarifying that the rules are meant to safeguard indigenous cultures and beliefs, not target any specific religious group. He also announced that the state is expected to generate annual revenue of Rs 10,000 crore from free power and equity shares in power projects in the next ten years.
With this ambitious project and focused efforts on infrastructure, education, and social issues, the state is poised for significant growth and development in the coming years.
