| Litem Eshi Ori |
RUKSIN, Aug 11: The need to expedite the proposed East-West Industrial Corridor Highway in Arunachal Pradesh has assumed renewed significance amid concerns over the state’s dependence on road connectivity through neighbouring Assam.
The proposed two-lane, 966.78-km East-West Industrial Corridor Highway, including the existing 274.20-km Pasighat–Manmao route, is envisaged to run along the lower foothills of the state. The corridor is proposed to connect Bhairabkunda in the west, near the Bhutan–Assam–Arunachal Pradesh tri-junction, with Kanubari in the east, near the Nagaland–Assam–Arunachal Pradesh tri-junction.
Once completed, the corridor could provide a vital alternative east-west connectivity route within Arunachal Pradesh, facilitating the movement of people and goods and boosting trade, commerce and economic activity across the state.
The need for an alternative internal connectivity network has gained added importance in view of recent tensions and incidents along the Assam–Arunachal border. Following the reported clash involving members of the Mising and Galo communities at Hime, the Takam Mising Porin Kébang (TMPK) announced a proposed economic blockade against Arunachal Pradesh, raising concerns over possible disruptions to the movement of essential commodities, people and commercial vehicles between the two states.
Such developments have highlighted the vulnerability arising from Arunachal’s dependence on key connectivity routes passing through Assam. A reliable east-west highway running within the state could serve as an important alternative route during periods of disruption, tension or emergencies.
However, the proposed corridor also brings into focus concerns relating to land acquisition and compensation. People affected by infrastructure projects have raised issues concerning delays in compensation, disputes over assessment and alleged irregularities in the payment process.
Residents and affected landowners have maintained that large infrastructure projects can achieve their intended objectives only when the rights and concerns of those affected are addressed fairly and transparently. They have called for proper assessment of compensation, timely payment and impartial examination of complaints relating to the land acquisition process.
The proposed corridor, therefore, needs to be viewed not merely as a road infrastructure project but as a long-term strategic connectivity and economic development initiative.
Alongside expediting surveys, statutory clearances, funding and construction, authorities need to ensure a transparent and time-bound mechanism for resolving land acquisition and compensation-related issues.
People have urged the government and concerned authorities to accelerate work on the project while ensuring that the interests of affected families are adequately protected.
A strong internal road network, coupled with transparent implementation and fair compensation, could significantly strengthen Arunachal’s connectivity, facilitate economic activity and enhance the state’s resilience during periods of external connectivity disruptions.