Foundation laid for PMGSY's longest road in Arunachal

Foundation was laid for the longest stretch of road built under the Prime Minister's Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) from Miao to Vijaynagar in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh on February 19. Union Minister for Rural Development JairamRamesh laid the foundation. The 157-km road, which will be built under the PMGSY will pass through the Namdapha National Park and is scheduled to be completed within the next three years.

The road was sanctioned under the special edition of PMGSY that enables connectivity to habitants having a population below 250. Against the backdrop of Chinese and Myanmar military infrastructure buildup along its borders, this road is focused to boost the much-needed connectivity to the country's one of the vital airfield at Vijaynagar.

The airfield is used for air maintenance and in mobilising troops and equipment at a faster pace in times of requirement. This is the first advanced landing ground (ALG) in the northeast upgraded recently as part of the country's efforts to match Chinese military infrastructure development activities.

Jairam Ramesh said that due to the delay, the area not only lacks basic amenities, it has also become a disturbed area. Being close to the international border and Assam's Tinsukia and Dibrugarh district, this part of Arunachal Pradesh has recently emerged as a new theatre for Maoist insurgency activities.

With improved connectivity, the area will surface as an important strategic site for India, said Ramesh during the ceremony. He said out of 157 km, almost 100 km will be gravel road as it will pass through the national park. The road will have 25 bridges and 600 culverts throughout the whole stretch. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki said the construction of the road came as a 'dream come true'.