The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has handed the Frontier Highway project in Arunachal Pradesh to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), effectively sidelining the state Public Works Department (PWD) despite the PWD’s involvement from the project’s start. Under the new plan, NHIDCL will manage the highway’s eastern stretch while BRO will handle construction in the western sector, a move that has reportedly left state officials disheartened and prompted concerns to be raised before Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
No official explanation for the reassignment has been issued. Sources cited by officials say the decision may be linked to a land compensation controversy in East Kameng district, which is currently under investigation.
The Frontier Highway is a strategic infrastructure initiative planned along the Indo-Tibet border and is estimated to cost about Rs 42,000 crore. Authorities say the road, once completed, is expected to improve connectivity in remote border areas and strengthen both civilian access and strategic mobility.
State officials involved earlier in planning have expressed worry over being excluded from execution responsibilities, citing administrative uncertainty and the potential impact on local coordination. The reassignment has therefore stirred both disappointment and questions about implementation on the ground.
While the project promises significant transformation of regional infrastructure, its rollout has begun amid unresolved administrative concerns and ongoing inquiries, leaving key local stakeholders seeking clarity on roles, responsibilities and next steps.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/arunachal-pradesh/story/centre-hands-frontier-highway-project-to-bro-nhidcl-arunachal-pwd-sidelined-1372235-2026-04-08?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-04-08 09:28:00
