Arunachal Highway Delay: Rijiju Blames Land Hurdles

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has raised concern over the Arunachal highway delay, blaming excessive land compensation demands for stalling the Frontier Highway project. He criticized the trend as a “disease of compensation” during a recent public address in West Kameng, calling for community cooperation to ensure timely completion of this vital infrastructure.

The Frontier Highway, a critical road project aimed at enhancing connectivity and border security in Arunachal, has been hit by land compensation disputes that threaten to derail its timeline.

Read More: Aizawl Rail Link Approved: Mizoram Capital Joins NE Railway Map

Rijiju on Arunachal Highway Delay: “Compensation has become a disease”

Speaking at a function in West Kameng district, Rijiju expressed deep frustration over the situation. “The Frontier Highway is meant for the people of Arunachal, but land compensation demands have become a disease,” he said. Rijiju emphasized that unreasonable compensation claims from some locals are obstructing national interest and harming the state’s development.

He urged community leaders and youth organizations to come forward and ensure that this vital project does not fall victim to individual greed. “People need to understand that the highway is for their own long-term benefit,” he added.

The Strategic Significance of the Frontier Highway

The Frontier Highway is one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure initiatives in the Northeast. Stretching over 1,700 km along the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh, the highway is designed not just to connect remote villages but also to strengthen India’s border infrastructure.

Experts believe that its completion will improve military mobility, provide faster access to isolated regions, and open up economic opportunities in areas that remain cut off for most of the year. Rijiju has repeatedly called the project a “lifeline” for Arunachal.

Ground-Level Challenges and Land Acquisition Issues

Despite its importance, the Frontier Highway has moved slowly. One of the main reasons is the lack of consensus over land acquisition. In several districts, including Tawang, West Kameng, and Upper Subansiri, landowners have demanded exorbitant compensation for their property.

Rijiju said the government had already agreed to fair rates. However, some groups continue to inflate land value expectations, delaying the process. “This is not about buying land for private industries,” he explained. “It’s about national development. People must rise above short-term personal gain.”

He added that local administrations must act quickly to settle genuine claims and reject inflated ones. Without this, the project could lose both budget and momentum.

Youth Groups and Civil Society Asked to Intervene

In his address, Rijiju called on youth bodies and civil society organizations in Arunachal to play a more active role. “Development cannot happen unless people cooperate. Young leaders must guide their communities,” he said.

Several youth groups have already begun awareness campaigns to educate villagers on the long-term benefits of the highway. Rijiju praised these efforts but insisted that broader community support is still needed to complete the highway on schedule.

Not the First Time Compensation Has Stalled Development

Arunachal Pradesh has seen multiple infrastructure projects suffer delays due to land issues. From airports to hydropower plants, landowners often demand compensation that exceeds government budgets. Experts say this trend reflects both mistrust of the system and lack of awareness about project benefits.

Rijiju said the same problems must not plague the Frontier Highway. “If this project fails, we will have only ourselves to blame,” he warned.

A Call for Policy Reforms and Community Engagement

In light of ongoing challenges, Rijiju suggested that the state government should revise its land compensation policies. He proposed more transparent frameworks, stronger community outreach, and faster dispute resolution mechanisms to resolve land-related conflicts.

He also encouraged public hearings and grievance redressal forums to ensure that concerns are addressed quickly and fairly. “Transparency and trust are the keys,” Rijiju noted.

The Road Ahead: Delays Must Be Avoided

Officials from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which is overseeing parts of the construction, say that while engineering and logistics are in place, administrative hurdles remain. They urge villagers and local authorities to expedite land clearances so that construction can continue before the monsoon halts all work.

According to initial timelines, major segments of the Frontier Highway were to be completed by 2026. But at the current pace, this deadline may not be achievable unless land disputes are resolved swiftly.

With the Rijiju on Arunachal highway delay comments, the spotlight is now firmly on the people and policymakers of Arunachal Pradesh. The Frontier Highway could redefine connectivity and security in the region, but only if stakeholders come together.

As the minister made clear, collective responsibility—not compensation battles—must guide the state’s developmental journey forward.

Read More: Tripura Farmers Income Doubled: CM Manik Saha