Arunachal: Mechuka valley cut off from rest of India after landslides sever highway, restoration underway

The scenic Mechuka Valley in Arunachal Pradesh’s Shi Yomi district has been rendered inaccessible following a series of landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones that severely damaged key sections of the arterial highway connecting the region to the rest of the country.

The destruction, triggered by recent heavy rainfall, has washed away several stretches of the route, effectively isolating the remote border valley. Restoration efforts are currently underway, with construction teams and heavy machinery deployed to clear debris and rebuild damaged segments.

Local MLA and Arunachal Pradesh Minister for Rural Works Department (RWD), Education, and Tourism, Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, visited the affected areas and urged contractors involved in road packages 1, 2, and 3, as well as the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), to expedite repair works. 

Emphasizing the strategic importance of the road, Minister Sona noted that it not only serves as a critical civilian lifeline but is also vital for the movement of defense forces as it leads to India’s international border with China.

“The Mechuka road is not just a link for the local population but a national priority given its military relevance. Restoration must be swift and sustained to prevent prolonged disruption,” the minister stated during an inspection tour.

Authorities are coordinating efforts to ensure early resumption of traffic while cautioning travelers to avoid the region until further notice due to ongoing risks of secondary landslides.