The Arunachal Pradesh Contractors’ Welfare Association (APCWA) has urged the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to shift its regional office from Assam to Arunachal Pradesh. The group submitted a memorandum to the Chief Engineer (NH) of MoRTH in Itanagar, pressing for easier coordination and faster project execution.
They stressed that placing the regional office in Arunachal would improve communication and cut delays in highway construction.
Read More: Sikkim records 29% monsoon rainfall deficit, says IMD
Contractors seek direct access
Currently, contractors travel to Guwahati for every project-related matter. This includes submissions, clarifications, and compliance follow-ups. The journey is long, expensive, and time-consuming. Moreover, smaller contractors often struggle to meet these travel requirements, putting them at a disadvantage.
APCWA president Nabam Tagam, along with other members, explained that a regional office in Itanagar would eliminate such hurdles. It would allow for real-time coordination and faster resolution of technical issues.
Delays hinder road development
Several highway projects in Arunachal remain delayed. Contractors blame this on administrative bottlenecks caused by the distance between Guwahati and project locations. They pointed out that the current arrangement affects timelines, especially for projects in remote districts like Upper Subansiri and Kurung Kumey.
Many regions in the state still lack proper road connectivity. Despite funding approvals, slow processing and delayed site inspections have kept progress stagnant. The contractors believe a regional office within Arunachal would resolve many of these issues.
Arunachal’s strategic location matters
Arunachal Pradesh borders China, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Its roads are critical for both civilian movement and national security. The contractors emphasized that highway development here is part of India’s strategic plans, especially under schemes like Bharatmala and the Border Roads Initiative.
They argued that faster approvals and better supervision would strengthen border infrastructure. A local MoRTH office could respond more quickly to challenges in the field.
Existing infrastructure supports relocation
Itanagar already hosts several central government offices. These include the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Central Public Works Department (CPWD), and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
The APCWA said this administrative setup proves that the capital city can support a MoRTH office as well. In fact, the contractors believe this move would streamline coordination between departments working on related projects.
Local leaders back the demand
Some ministers and senior government officials have supported the contractors’ call. According to sources, the state government may soon forward a proposal to the Centre. They believe this change will boost infrastructure growth in Arunachal.
Public Works Department officials also acknowledged that such a step would improve project monitoring and implementation. With better access to central officials, state engineers could speed up decision-making on key issues.
Assam base no longer ideal
The MoRTH regional office was earlier placed in Assam for administrative ease. But that logic no longer applies, say the contractors. Arunachal now has better digital infrastructure, faster roads, and easier internal travel.
In their view, continuing with Assam as the base reflects outdated practices. Instead, a new office in Itanagar would match the state’s growing importance in the Act East Policy and regional development goals.
Previous proposals were ignored
This is not the first time such a demand has come up. Earlier appeals to shift the office were made but received no action. The APCWA hopes the current request will receive proper attention. They believe the urgency is higher now, with several key projects stuck in limbo.
The group suggested that if a full relocation is not possible immediately, the Ministry could consider opening a branch or satellite office in Itanagar.
Faster execution and monitoring
According to the contractors, a local MoRTH office would reduce dependency on distant officials. This would speed up approval processes and allow for more efficient field monitoring. In border zones, where terrain and weather create challenges, faster decisions can save months.
The contractors believe that better communication between engineers, contractors, and central officers will improve the quality and pace of work. More importantly, it will make the system fairer and more accessible to all local stakeholders.
The APCWA’s call to shift the MoRTH regional office to Arunachal reflects more than administrative needs. It represents a demand for equality, efficiency, and empowerment. Local contractors, working in tough terrain, deserve quick support and fair opportunities.
As Arunachal continues to play a central role in national infrastructure development, placing a key office within the state seems like a necessary step. Whether the Ministry agrees or not, the discussion has sparked a larger conversation on decentralization and regional inclusion.
Read More: Mizo DiasporaHub launched to connect global ethnic communities