Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed profound dismay over the slow progress of highway construction projects during a review meeting convened to assess the aftermath of a cloudburst on Sunday. The meeting, which included officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and other relevant departments, focused on the recent damage caused and ongoing infrastructure challenges.
Khandu, visibly frustrated by the situation, particularly targeted the pace of the four-lane highway project, describing it as ‘dismally slow’ and highlighting its adverse impact on commuters and local communities. He underscored the urgent need for accelerated efforts to complete the highway projects, stressing that delays were not only causing inconvenience but also hampering socio-economic development in the region.
“The slow progress of the highway projects is unacceptable, especially given the significant disruptions they cause to daily life and economic activities,” remarked Khandu during the meeting. He pointed out that Arunachal Pradesh, with its challenging terrain and climatic conditions, requires robust and timely infrastructure development to improve connectivity and enhance overall development prospects.
The Chief Minister’s criticism comes against the backdrop of persistent challenges in completing critical infrastructure projects in the state, exacerbated by natural calamities like cloudbursts. Officials present at the meeting acknowledged the concerns raised by Khandu and assured him of renewed efforts to expedite the construction work while adhering to quality standards and environmental regulations.
In response to Khandu’s directives, officials outlined measures to streamline project implementation, including enhanced coordination among stakeholders, stricter monitoring of construction activities, and expedited resolution of logistical challenges. They also committed to providing regular updates on the progress made and addressing any bottlenecks promptly.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for a concerted effort from all parties involved, including central agencies and contractors, to overcome the existing hurdles and accelerate the pace of highway construction. Khandu reiterated his commitment to prioritizing infrastructure development in Arunachal Pradesh and ensuring that projects are completed within stipulated timelines to benefit the state’s residents and promote economic growth.
As the state continues to grapple with infrastructure challenges amid natural adversities, Khandu’s firm stance underscores the imperative of efficient project management and timely execution to achieve sustainable development goals.
