Critical highway linking Assam and Arunachal remains damaged for seven months

A major section of National Highway 415, the primary road connecting Assam to Arunachal Pradesh's capital Itanagar, has remained damaged and unrepaired for seven months, forcing thousands of commuters to navigate dangerous conditions daily.

 

The highway stretch near Donyi Polo Airport was washed away due to what local officials describe as substandard construction work. The damage has created a bottleneck that affects not only regular commuters but also passengers travelling to and from the airport, which serves as a gateway to the northeastern state.

 

Nabam Nekhi, Gaon Burah of Holongi, criticised the contractor responsible for the original construction, pointing to the area's susceptibility to erosion from nearby water bodies. "This is the key road linking Assam and Arunachal, which serves as the gateway to our capital, Itanagar and handles passengers from Donyi Polo Airport," Nekhi said.

 

The situation has become increasingly hazardous as authorities have failed to install proper safety measures. The damaged stretch lacks adequate street lighting, warning signs, and protective barriers, forcing vehicles to navigate through single-lane traffic without administrative support.

 

"The negligence of highway authorities and administration in delaying damage assessment and repair work is a matter of concern and is life-threatening," Nekhi stated. "No barricades, warning signals, or signs have been installed by the concerned authorities, which can lead to accidents."

 

Local panchayat leaders have threatened road blockades if immediate repair work does not commence. The highway serves as a crucial route for VIPs travelling from the airport to Itanagar, making the delays particularly problematic for official travel.

 

NH-415 spans 61 kilometres total, with 51 kilometres running through Arunachal Pradesh and 10 kilometres through Assam. The highway serves as a vital link connecting the state's population with the rest of India.

 

The National Highways Authority of India had previously awarded a contract to Bharat Constructions (India) Pvt Ltd in 2022 for slope stabilisation, rockfall protection, and erosion control measures along the route. The project was designed to address the challenging terrain and unstable soil conditions that make the area prone to landslides and erosion.

 

Construction teams had been implementing various safety measures, including soil nailing, rock bolting, protective netting, and drainage systems to manage the heavy rainfall and prevent road formation damage.

 

Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has activated the state's disaster management system for the ongoing monsoon season. "Every year, Arunachal receives heavy downpour, and I have appealed to all District Collectors to evacuate citizens from vulnerable areas which can be affected by floods or landslides," Khandu said.

 

The state government has established relief camps in various locations and implemented an early warning system to tackle seasonal disasters. The monsoon season in Arunachal Pradesh typically runs from March through October, requiring sustained preparedness efforts.

 

District administrations have been instructed to provide temporary shelters for evacuated citizens while monitoring weather conditions and potential flood or landslide risks throughout the extended monsoon period.