Connectivity a hurdle in Arunachal's development: Bakshi

Arunachal Pradesh Governor B.D. Mishra on Friday said the biggest roadblock in the state's development was the challenge of connectivity.

"Robust connectivity is an inescapable need for the people of our state to have the opportunity to reach out to national and international markets," he said in his first Republic Day address to the people of the state.

"For decades there has been no progress on air connectivity," he said.

Exuding confidence that this year Arunachal will see the operationalisation of the Advanced Landing Ground at Pasighat for civilian flights, Bakshi said the government was determined to ensure an early commissioning of civilian airport at Hollongi.

"The development of Tezu Airport is complete in all respects and soon it will become functional for commercial flights," he said.

Moreover, he said the government has also given priority attention to expand helicopter services across the state.

"Regular, reliable, adequate and affordable helicopter services will soon be in place across the state to help create new economic opportunities."

Noting that the key performance indicators in education and health sectors need improvement and connectivity to remote locations within the state needs to be hastened, Bakshi said the government was committed to overcome all these challenges.

He added that the government had resolved to ensure all round development of the state in a speedy manner.

Informing that the Central government has promised Rs 50,000 crore for improving road connectivity in Arunachal, Bakshi said: "Last year we saw significant progress in the implementation of the Trans Arunachal Highway.

"In areas where the road construction is slow, I would urge support from local communities in extending cooperation and placing community interest over personal interest because ultimately absence of roads hurts the poor the most."

He said the state government had submitted a composite development proposal to the Central government for improving rural connectivity and development of socio economic infrastructure in border areas.

--IANS

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