Likabali, May 10: A Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Harsh Malhotra concluded a two-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Siang district on May 9 after reviewing the progress of key road and infrastructure projects in the region.
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| Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and MoRTH during an inspection of the proposed Likabali–Bame highway stretch in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Siang district on May 9, 2026. (Image: IPR Siang) |
During a coordination meeting held at Likabali, the Minister interacted with Heads of Departments, Panchayat representatives, officials of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
The meeting focused on infrastructure development and road connectivity in the district, particularly the long-pending demand to upgrade the 105-km Akajan–Bame road stretch into a National Highway.
Addressing officials, the Minister stressed the need to overcome developmental challenges and ensure that projects are completed within stipulated timelines.
“We have constraints, but success can only be achieved by overcoming them,” the Minister said.
He also reiterated the Centre’s commitment towards the welfare and development of Northeastern states, especially aspirational and underdeveloped regions.
Responding to public demand regarding the Akajan–Bame road, the Minister assured that the matter would be taken up with the Prime Minister’s Office, MoRTH and the Defence Ministry to explore an early solution.
During the review meeting, officials from various departments made presentations on ongoing projects and developmental requirements. The Minister advised officers to actively pursue proposals and submit project notes to the government in a timely manner instead of waiting passively.
Earlier in the day, the Minister visited an Anganwadi Centre at Lipu village, where he interacted with children, Anganwadi workers and officials. He directed the district administration to improve basic facilities at the centre.
The Minister also conducted a physical inspection of the road stretch from Likabali to Siji along the proposed Likabali–Bame highway route, which is considered the lifeline for six interior districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
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Kardo Nyigyor, who accompanied the Minister during the visit, reiterated the demand for declaring the Akajan–Bame stretch a National Highway.
Nyigyor said the road would connect National Highways in Assam with the state highway at Bame village in Leparada district and serve as a strategically important defence route.
He also highlighted that the poor condition of the road severely affects transportation during the monsoon season, often disrupting connectivity for several days.
The Minister was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Mokar Riba, Superintendent of Police Bomken Basar, NHIDCL officials and other state government officials during the tour.
