NH-415 amage near Donyi Polo airport remains unrepaired for over a year, commuters raise safety concerns

A damaged stretch of National Highway 415, a key road link connecting Holongi in Assam with Arunachal Pradesh’s capital Itanagar, has remained unrepaired for over a year, raising concerns among commuters and local residents over safety risks and administrative inaction.

The affected portion of the highway near Donyi Polo Airport was reportedly washed away in 2024, according to local residents, allegedly due to poor construction quality and the area’s vulnerability to erosion. The damaged section has since become a major bottleneck, affecting daily commuters as well as passengers travelling to and from the airport, which serves as an important gateway to Arunachal Pradesh.

Residents have alleged that despite repeated concerns being raised, the damaged portion continues to pose risks due to the absence of adequate safety measures, including proper warning signs, street lighting, and protective barriers. Vehicles are currently forced to negotiate through a restricted single-lane passage, increasing the possibility of accidents.

Nabam Nekhi, Gaon Burah of Holongi, criticised the delay in repair work and questioned the quality of the original construction. He said the highway is a crucial route connecting Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and serves as the main access road to the state capital and Donyi Polo Airport.

“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.

Commuters have urged the authorities to prioritise restoration work and address the damaged stretch instead of allocating public funds for non-essential activities. They have also expressed concern over the lack of immediate intervention despite the strategic importance of the highway.

“The negligence of highway authorities and administration in delaying damage assessment and repair work is a matter of concern and is life-threatening,” Nekhi said, adding that the absence of barricades, warning signals and safety arrangements could lead to serious accidents.

Local panchayat representatives have warned of possible road blockades if repair work does not begin at the earliest. The issue has gained further attention as the route is frequently used by officials and VIPs travelling between Donyi Polo Airport and Itanagar.

NH-415 covers a total distance of 61 kilometres, with around 51 kilometres falling in Arunachal Pradesh and 10 kilometres in Assam. The highway serves as a vital connectivity route between the state and the rest of the country.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had earlier awarded a contract in 2022 to Bharat Constructions (India) Pvt Ltd for slope stabilisation, rockfall protection and erosion control measures along the highway. The project was aimed at addressing the region’s challenging terrain, unstable soil conditions and frequent risks of landslides and erosion.

The safety measures planned under the project included soil nailing, rock bolting, protective netting and drainage systems to reduce damage caused by heavy rainfall and unstable slopes.

Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has directed authorities to strengthen disaster preparedness measures during the monsoon season. He said district administrations have been instructed to evacuate people from vulnerable areas prone to floods and landslides.

The state government has also established relief camps and activated early warning mechanisms to manage weather-related emergencies. District administrations have been asked to monitor vulnerable locations, provide temporary shelters where required and remain prepared throughout the monsoon period.