Arunachal Pradesh achieved significant milestone in connectivity sector: Pema Khandu

 OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh witnessed a revolution in the connectivity sector in the last six years with improvement of road, air and digital connectivity, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said in the assembly on Thursday.

Participating in the discussion on motion of thanks to the Governor's address delivered in the house on March 6, Khandu said that despite the state being the largest in terms of geographical area, connectivity has been a major challenge for the state since decades.

The challenges were minimized to a certain extent due to the consistent support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the state government, he said.

"In the last six years, a total of 2,482 kms of National Highways have been built in the state which is an increase of 138% National Highways network in the state. At the same time, 6,755 kms of rural roads have been constructed providing all weather connectivity to 170 habitations under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)," the chief minister pointed out adding, more need to be done in this sector.

He said the remaining habitat would be connected under PMGSY 3 and the government would soon approach the Centre for necessary funds.

Khandu said the Governor's address is a reflection of the state government's achievements in the last year.

The rough track landing ground used during the 1962 Chinese aggression, which remained defunct for several decades were revived as advance landing grounds (ALGs), and in the last seven years many of the defunct ALGs have been dedicated for defence as well as for civilians, the chief minister said.

"Under UDAN scheme Pasighat, Tezu and Ziro airports are connected now. With the Donyi Polo Airport at Hollongi, near here, being operational last year, air connectivity in the state improved significantly," he said.

In the coming year, three more airstrips at Mechuka, Tuting and Vijoyanagar will be operational. The Centre is also considering our proposal for three more ALGs at Dirang in West Kameng, Anini in Dibang Valley and one in Upper Subansiri district, he added.

Referring to rail connectivity in the state, Khandu disclosed that major foothill areas of the state would be connected soon with a rail network. In addition, surveys of several vital rail lines are going on in the state.

In the digital connectivity sector, the chief minister informed that 4G connectivity reached remote areas of several districts while BSNL and Airtel would install 4G towers in remaining 1,903 habitations by December this year.

"Our government in order to provide transparency in governance has used digital technology to minimize corruption. The e-Office project has been implemented in state civil secretariat, all directorates and in districts for easy monitoring of file movements," he added.

Senior BJP member Nyato Dukam moved the motion which was seconded by another BJP MLA Kaling Moyong. Members cutting across political affiliations participated in the discussion and suggested various inputs for the government.

Later the house adopted the motion by voice vote before Deputy Speaker Tesam Pongte adjourned the house for the day.

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