Itanagar: A critical stretch of National Highway 415 connecting Holongi in Assam to Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, remains in disrepair more than a year after it was washed away. Local residents attribute the damage near Donyi Polo Airport to poor construction quality and the region's susceptibility to soil erosion. The road serves as a primary gateway for passengers traveling to the airport and is a vital link for daily commuters between the two states.
Drivers currently navigate a restricted single-lane passage that lacks basic safety features such as adequate warning signs, street lighting, and protective barriers. Nabam Nekhi, a local official, criticized the ongoing administrative inaction and emphasized the strategic importance of the route. "This is the key road linking Assam and Arunachal, which serves as the gateway to our capital, Itanagar and handles passengers from Donyi Polo Airport," Nekhi said.
Residents and panchayat representatives have warned that the persistent neglect poses a life-threatening risk to the public. They have urged authorities to prioritize restoration over non-essential spending, threatening potential road blockades if work does not begin immediately. While the National Highways Authority of India awarded a contract to Bharat Constructions in 2022 for slope stabilization and erosion control, the promised safety measures remain incomplete.
Amid these concerns, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has issued directives to strengthen disaster preparedness as the monsoon season approaches. District administrations are now tasked with monitoring vulnerable areas, managing flood risks, and ensuring that relief measures are in place to handle potential emergencies across the region.
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