Arunachal Witnessed Revolution In Connectivity Sector: Khandu

Arunachal Pradesh witnessed a revolution in the communication sector in the last six years with the improvement of the road, air, and digital connectivity, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said in the assembly on Thursday. Participating in the discussion on the motion of thanks to the governor's address, Khandu said connectivity was a major challenge for the state for decades. The challenges were minimized to a certain extent due to the consistent support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said.

"In the last six years, a total of 2,482 km of national highways have been built in the state, which is an increase of 138 percent. At the same time, 6,755 km of rural roads have been constructed providing all-weather connectivity to 170 habitations under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)," he said. The rough track landing grounds used during the 1962 Chinese aggression were revived as advance landing grounds (ALGs), and many of those are being used for defense as well as civilian needs, he said. "Under the UDAN scheme, Pasighat, Tezu, and Ziro airports are connected now. With the Donyi Polo Airport at Hollongi being operational last year, air connectivity in the state improved significantly," he added.

In the coming year, three more airstrips -- Mechuka, Tuting, and Vijoyanagar -- will be operational. The Centre is also considering our proposal for three more ALGs -- Dirang in West Kameng, Anini in Dibang Valley, and one in Upper Subansiri district, Khandu said. He said major areas of the state at the foothills would be connected soon to the railway network. Khandu said the 4G network has reached several remote areas, while BSNL and Airtel were working to install 4G towers in the remaining 1,903 habitations. Senior BJP member Nyato Dukam moved the motion of thanks, which was seconded by BJP MLA Kaling Moyong. Members of all parties participated in the discussion. The House adopted the motion by voice votes.