In a concerted effort to enhance India’s infrastructure in the strategic frontier areas of the Northeast, the Union government, over the past decade, has been working relentlessly to improve existing roads and construct new all-weather routes. These roads, integrated into the National Highway (NH) network, aim to provide crucial connectivity to remote regions as well as access for country’s defence forces to our strategic vital areas on the borders.

Among the key projects is the ongoing construction of 183-km-long NH-313, which will connect Meka, near Roing, to Anini via Hunli. This new NH, a vital extension of NH-13, holds immense strategic significance for the country. Its importance is underscored by the fact that Anini, situated in the far northeast near the Indo-China border is the headquarters of Dibang Valley District.

Dibang Valley and its administrative centre, Anini, was originally part of Lohit district, and was carved out as a separate district in 1980, with Anini designated as its district headquarters. However, Anini has long remained isolated, lacking proper road infrastructure to connect it with the rest of Arunachal Pradesh and the country.

Anini’s historical significance dates back to the British colonial era, when it was part of the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA), now Arunachal Pradesh. The region gained additional strategic significance during World War II, when it played a vital role in the movement of supplies and troops to China through the Ledo Road in Assam. This historical context continues to underscore the area’s value in contemporary geopolitical and military considerations.

The task of building the NH-313 has been entrusted with National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL). The project includes construction of 75 km of Greenfield alignment that will provide all-weather connectivity between Roing in Lower Dibang Valley District and the landlocked town of Anini with the rest of the state.

The strategic development of NH-313 in Arunachal Pradesh is poised to accelerate the progress of the under-construction Dibang Valley Hydel Project and the proposed 3,097 MW Etalin Hydroelectric Project (HEP), the largest hydropower project in the country. The project being developed by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL), will provide a boost to economic activity in this remote region. By connecting Roing to Anini, NH-313 will seamlessly facilitate the transportation of essential resources, including heavy machinery, construction materials and personnel, thereby streamlining project operations and management.

The much needed critical infrastructure upgrade will not only enhance the two hydel projects construction and maintenance work but will also generate employment opportunities and will usher in socio-economic development of the region. NHIDCL is committed to develop rural infrastructure in the state of Arunachal Pradesh connecting the far flung border areas with the hinterland