Khandu inaugurates single-lane steel bridge over Siang river

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday inaugurated a single-lane steel cable suspension bridge in Upper Siang district, likely to benefit more than 20,000 people on both sides of Siang river, an official release said.

The 300-metre-long Byorung Bridge will also "bolster defense preparedness" in the state, it said.

"The CM has dedicated country's longest single-lane steel cable suspension bridge over Siang River at Yingkiong in Arunachal's Upper Siang district," the release issued by chief minister's office said.

The bridge, built at the cost of Rs 48.43 crore under non-lapsable central pool of resources (NLCPR) of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, will reduce distance between Yingkiong and Tuting by almost 40 km, it said.

Speaking at a public function, Khandu said the newly inaugurated bridge would help movement of people residing on both sides of the river bank and facilitate the army in their operations.

"Good connectivity is the way forward to prosperity," the release said quoting the CM.

The Centre has sanctioned 268 road projects in Arunachal Pradesh worth Rs 3,800 crore under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), it stated.

Two sanctioned projects - 35-km road from Paling to Zido and 30-km road connecting Zido with Bishing - are currently in the process of receiving tenders.

The chief minister also laid the foundation for construction of district secretariat building, assured funds for the construction of a new circuit house at Yingkiong and anti-erosion measures in other parts of the state.