Rockfall cuts off Arunachal’s Kurung Kumey near Indo-China border

In a major disruption near the Indo-China border, Arunachal Pradesh’s Kurung Kumey district has been completely cut off since 5 PM today after a massive rockfall blocked the NH-713 Joram-Koloriang highway. 

The strategic highway connects Kurung Kumey to Kra Daadi district and is critical for civilian movement and defence logistics near India’s northeastern frontier.

The incident occurred in the stretch between Meer and Guhadrak, close to the inter-district border of Kurung Kumey and Kra Daadi, a geologically unstable zone known for frequent landslides and rock slips.

Deputy Commissioner of Kurung Kumey, Vishakha Yadav, IAS, confirmed that the roadblock is being addressed. “The site falls under Package 5 of the NH-713 project and the restoration work will be undertaken by NHIDCL tonight itself. Efforts are underway to ensure swift clearance,” she stated.

Hundreds of vehicles travelling towards Koloriang were stranded due to the sudden blockage. Many commuters had to return to Palin town, reporting no immediate response from highway authorities and no deployment of JCBs or other earth-clearing machinery during the initial hours of the crisis.

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Local residents expressed frustration at the repeated disruptions in this mountainous belt, despite the highway’s importance for both border security and local connectivity. “This is a recurring issue. NHIDCL should have stationed standby equipment in this landslide-prone zone, especially given its proximity to the Indo-China border,” said a stranded commuter.

The Joram-Koloriang highway is not only vital for connecting remote tribal districts but also forms part of India’s broader strategic infrastructure push in Arunachal Pradesh amid growing security challenges from across the LAC (Line of Actual Control).

The NHIDCL (National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited), responsible for the project, has often faced criticism for delays and lack of proactive measures in this high-risk terrain.

Officials hope that the road will be cleared by late night or early morning, restoring the flow of traffic and supply lines to the remote district.

Kurung Kumey lies close to the Indo-China border, and road connectivity in the region is crucial for civilian access and military logistics. The region’s rugged geography and heavy monsoons make road infrastructure especially vulnerable.