New Delhi (NVI): As part of its concerted efforts to boost infrastructure in the areas bordering China in the North East, India today opened a militarily-strategic bridge at Lower Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Sisseri River bridge was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Besides being strategically important from military view point this bridge will be a part of the Trans Arunachal Highway.
The 200-metre long bridge between Jonai-Pasighat-Ranaghat-Roing road will provide connectivity between Dibang Valley and Siang to meet the long-pending demand of the people of Arunachal Pradesh as it would cut down the travel time from Pasighat to Roing by about five hours, an official statement said.
Inaugurating the bridge, Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that the strong infrastructure in the state will act as a bridge between India and South-East Asian countries and will open more avenues in the fields of employment, trade and tourism.
The Sisseri River bridge constructed by Project Brahmank of Border Roads Organisation (BRO), provides connectivity to Tinsukia via Dhola-Sadia bridge.
The Minister said, the Government has adopted the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) in its plan keeping in view the security of people residing in border areas.
“Infrastructural upgradation is necessary for the security of the North-East and the entire country,” he added.
He said, the Government has initiated several infrastructure projects in the state including the proposed Bhalukpong – Tenga – Tawang railway line, operationalisation of Pasighat airport, nod to Hollongi airport and approval to construct Sela Pass tunnel.
He said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the decision to stay out of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), keeping in mind the economic interests of the country, especially the North-East.
“You must have seen that during the ASEAN summit in Bangkok recently, our PM took a very important decision that India will not be a part of RCEP… farmers, labourers, factories and industries would have got affected had India joined the RCEP. This is a big decision,” he said.
The Defence Minister also commended the BRO for constructing and maintaining roads and bridges in the border areas all over the country and meeting the strategic needs of the Armed Forces.
There are four projects of BRO in the state — Vartak, Arunank, Brahmank and Udayak — working relentlessly to meet the strategic requirement of the nation and also immensely contributing in the socio-economic development of the region.
Present on the occasion were Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Director General Border Roads Lt General Harpal Singh and Arunachal East MP Tapir Gao.
