The state government is taking up the Itanagar to Jote road on pilot-basis to construct a new two-lane highway. This was informed by Doimukh MLA Tana Hali recently.
The tender process has started and the project will cost Rs 89 crore.
This is the first time that the state PWD is going to take up a major highway project. The Itanagar to Jote two-lane highway was first announced by Chief Minister Pema Khandu during a visit to NIT Jote in 2016. In the first phase, the highway will be constructed up to NIT Jote.
In the future, the Itanagar to Jote road will be extended up to Lemmi in Pakke Kessang district and it will provide an alternative shorter route for people of East Kameng, West Kameng and Tawang districts to reach Itanagar. The project is being taken up under PWD Doimukh division.
The state government under the leadership of CM Khandu has taken a bold decision to construct this two-lane highway without seeking support from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway. At a time when funds have become a major issue due to the Covid-19 situation, making Rs 89 crore available for construction of Itanagar to Jote two-lane highway by the state government shows the government is serious about the project.
Now the onus lies with the PWD Doimukh division to ensure that the project is properly implemented.
As this is the first highway project being taken up by the state government on its own without the support of the MoRTH, the entire state will be watching closely. Massive responsibility lies with the PWD Doimukh.