Arunachal intensifies NH-415 restoration ahead of Vice President’s visit to Itanagar

The Arunachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) Highway Zone has intensified road repair and restoration work along the Hollongi-Itanagar stretch of National Highway-415 (NH-415), ahead of Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan’s scheduled two-day visit to Itanagar from September 8.

PWD Chief Engineer Er C.S. Choutang, along with PWD Highways Chief Engineer Er Nani Robin and other senior officials, conducted a survey of the Hollongi-Itanagar road to assess the damage caused by the monsoon and extensive earth cutting along the highway.

The approximately 20-km stretch is a crucial road link between Hollongi in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh’s capital, Itanagar. It also provides the principal road connectivity to the Donyi Polo Airport at Hollongi.

The road has suffered damage at several locations due to heavy monsoon rainfall, landslides, earth cutting, siltation and drainage-related issues. The PWD Highway Department has consequently stepped up restoration and protection works along the stretch.

Speaking to India Today NE, Chief Engineer C.S. Choutang said the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), design and survey had been delayed while IIT Guwahati was serving as the consultant agency for the project. The consultancy arrangement has since been changed and the DPR has now been prepared, including provisions for river and drainage protection.

Choutang said the DPR is expected to receive sanction soon, following which comprehensive restoration work will be undertaken, including repairs to deteriorated bridges and damaged portions of the highway.

The department has also engaged a private consultancy firm based in Itanagar to prepare designs for two important bridges located between the Hollongi Check Gate and the Airport Tri-Junction.

PWD officials said the ongoing survey is intended to identify vulnerable sections and assess the structural and drainage requirements before permanent restoration measures are taken.

Choutang also appealed to residents and road users to cooperate with the department during earth-cutting and restoration work. He urged the public not to dump soil, debris or other material into roadside drains or block existing drainage channels.

According to the PWD, obstruction of drains can lead to water accumulation and runoff over the carriageway, increasing the risk of erosion and further damage to the road.

The department is currently undertaking immediate repair and maintenance measures while working towards a comprehensive restoration plan for NH-415. The highway remains a key transportation corridor for Itanagar, particularly because of its connectivity with the Donyi Polo Airport and adjoining areas.