BRO's Project Brahmank to Boost Connectivity in Arunachal by 2026

Itanagar, Aug 28 (PTI): The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), under Project Brahmank, is set to complete the double-laning of the crucial 32-km Pene-Tato segment of the Aalo-Mechuka road in Arunachal Pradesh's Shi-Yomi district by March 2026. Chief Engineer S C Looniya acknowledged delays in the project, citing land acquisition issues as a significant factor.

Looniya emphasized the organization's immediate focus on formation-cutting to prevent road closures due to construction activities, aiming to deliver a road that ensures safe and secure connectivity. "Our goal is to soon offer all-weather connectivity from Kaying in Siang district to Tato," he stated, expressing the commitment to extend National Highway 13 to remote areas.

While the project pushes forward, Looniya noted that the black-topping phase will require additional time. Regarding the Tato-Mechuka section, he revealed that works on 14 bridges in this region are progressing, having been allotted to a contractor.

Progress was also reported on the 12-km Yarlung-Trijunction road, which includes a 140 ft steel modular bridge. This project is on track to be completed in two years. Additionally, the 16-km Yarlung-Lamang road is already completed, and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the 14-km Lamang-Lola Road is underway.

Looniya highlighted the strategic importance of these roads for providing connectivity to forces posted in forward areas via the National Highway Single Lane (NHSL). He further assured progress on the Migging-Tuting road, reporting only 15 km of formation cutting and planned surfacing work, with a target completion by March 2026, weather permitting.

The Chief Engineer expressed BRO's willingness to take over the maintenance of the NH-13, Akajan-Likabali-Bam road, should the government permit. This road is pivotal for BRO personnel operating in Daporijo, Aalo, Yingkiong, and Mechuka. Constructed by BRO in the 1960s, this road was transferred to the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd in 2015 for upgrading. However, its current dilapidated state has sparked local discontent.

Connecting Likabali in Lower Siang to Aalo in West Siang, NH-13 extends to Mechuka in Shi-Yomi. Project Brahmank, headquartered in Pasighat, East Siang, remains dedicated to enhancing connectivity in the region.