BIG UPDATE FRONTIER HIGHWAY PROJECT

The ₹42,000 crore Frontier Highway project in Arunachal Pradesh has taken a major turn — and it’s not good news for the state’s PWD Highway wing.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has now shifted the entire execution responsibility to central agencies — Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and NHIDCL — removing the state PWD from direct involvement.

WHAT CHANGED?
Even though PWD played a key role in early planning and DPR preparation, it has now been completely sidelined.
NHIDCL will handle the eastern section
BRO will manage the western stretch

WHY THIS DECISION?
While no official reason has been announced, sources suggest it’s linked to the Lada–Sarli land compensation controversy in East Kameng district.
The case is already under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), with arrests made and officials suspended.

WHY THIS PROJECT MATTERS?
The Frontier Highway (NH-913) is one of India’s biggest infrastructure projects:
Connects Tawang to Vijaynagar
Runs close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC)
Crucial for border security & economic growth

CURRENT STATUS
Despite a 2027 target, the project is facing delays due to controversies and administrative issues.

PWD officials have reportedly raised the matter with CM Pema Khandu and MPs, seeking intervention.