Rajnath stresses N-E connectivity

Reaffirming government`s commitment to improve connectivity in border areas, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said the Centre has approved construction of a tunnel at Sela Pass to Tawang.

Singh was speaking at the 11th Maitree Diwas Celebrations at Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.

He said the BJP-led government had also approved operationalization of Pasighat Airport, setting up Hollongi Airport near Itanagar and three strategic railway lines in the region.

The Minister was referring to strategic railway lines including the proposed Bhalukpong-Tenga-Tawang (378 km), North Lakhimpur-Bame-Aalo-Silapathar (247.85 km) and Pasighat-Tezu-Parsuram Kund-Rupai (227 km), which is expected to improve connectivity to northern and eastern frontiers of Arunachal Pradesh.

"The projects will provide all-weather connectivity to the local population, facilitate the movement of the armed forces and give a boost to tourism," Singh said.

He also lauded the five-year road plan of Chief Minister Pema Khandu under which all the existing inter-state and inter-district roads will be upgraded to state highway specifications by 2024.

The Minister also urged the youth of the border state to actively join the armed forces.

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"The people of Arunachal Pradesh are known for their patriotism. My ministry will see that Army recruitment centres are set up in some parts of Arunachal Pradesh, including Tawang," he added.