Arunachal woman minister braves landslide zone to reopen state’s lifeline to Indo-China border

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 21, 2025

Arunachal Pradesh Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul on Saturday trekked through treacherous terrain to reach Monpani (KM 78+000) along the Tidding–Arrowa stretch of National Highway-113, where massive landslides have blocked the road for over a week.

The highway, a critical link to strategic border zones near the Indo-China and Indo-Myanmar frontiers, has remained cut off for more than eight days, disrupting essential supply routes to forward posts like Kibithoo and Chaglagam.

Pul addressed residents at the site, assuring them that temporary access would be restored by 4 p.m. on Sunday. Short-term repair work will begin the following day. She also announced the construction of a permanent bypass road, expected to be completed within two years.

“Our government is committed to ensuring uninterrupted connectivity to all corners of Arunachal, especially in border districts like Anjaw,” Pul said, lauding local residents for their patience and resilience during the ongoing crisis.

The landslide-damaged section lies within the sensitive Arrowa–Khupa–Hayuliang corridor, which has suffered extensive damage due to continuous monsoon rains, including surface cracks and slope failures. Restoration of the route has become a high priority for both the state and central governments due to its strategic significance.

The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) has been instructed to fast-track both temporary repairs and the construction of the permanent bypass.

Minister Pul was accompanied by Namsai MLA Zingnu Namchoom, Anjaw Zilla Parishad Chairperson Soblem Pul, Deputy Commissioner Millo Kojin, Superintendent of Police Rike Kamsi, NHIDCL General Manager Arindam Handique, and officials from Bhartia Infra Projects Ltd during the visit.