Itanagar/IBNS: The long-awaited 62-kilometer stretch road project connecting Itakhola in Assam to Pakke Kessang through Seijosa in Arunachal Pradesh is finally bringing joy to the residents after facing several hurdles and delays. 

The road is now under construction at a steady pace. Once completed, the travel time from Pakke-Kessang to Seijosa will be reduced from over ten hours to just one and a half hours.

Initially approved by the NEC (North Eastern Council) in 2013-14 with an estimated cost of Rs 166.16 crore, the project faced legal complications that caused further delays.

The tender process was finally concluded in April 2017, but fresh litigation further hindered progress.

The road construction work commenced in October 2017, but progressed slowly.

It was not until 2019 when Biyuram Wahge, the current MLA from Pakke-Kessang, made the road a priority that significant progress was made. Approximately 30% of the work remains to be completed.

Johny Nabum of Mobuso-1 village expressed her gratitude for the road's accessibility, although it is still unfinished. However, she noted that during the monsoon season, landslides impede travel on the portion of the road where construction activities are ongoing.

The PRL-Gepung (JV) was awarded the road project in April 2017 through a national bidding process. Currently, the road is almost complete from both Seijosa and Pakke-Kessang sides, except for a few kilometers in between. This section is undergoing formation cutting, culvert and bridge construction.

Local resident Kama Nabum, from Jolly Village, expressed his delight at being able to visit his daughter and grandchildren in Pakke-Kessang more frequently, which was previously a distant dream.

He credited the progress to the efforts of Biyuram Wahge, the state BJP unit president, who took up the challenge, prioritized the road project, and urged all relevant parties to complete it as soon as possible.

Hari Nabam, a member of the Pakke-Kessang gram panchayat, highlighted the improved connectivity between Pakke-Kessang and Seijosa, which had previously suffered from a lack of communication due to the near absence of the NEC road.

He credited the momentum in construction activities for enabling frequent interactions between the two areas. The people of the district appreciate the developmental initiatives of Biyuram Wahge, who was elected MLA in 2017, leading to significant progress in the constituency.

Since Wahge's election, Pakke-Kessang district has witnessed various developmental activities, including the establishment of health centers, a higher secondary school, and the improvement of village roads.

The people of Seijosa have also experienced the implementation of new projects, such as flood control measures, upgraded health centers with modern equipment, and the construction of village roads.

Local representatives, including Sara Tana and Doley Tayum, praised Wahge for his commitment to development in the constituency and expressed confidence in his reelection in the upcoming 2024 assembly elections. Attempts to contact the district's Deputy Commissioner for comment were unsuccessful.

Overall, the progress on the NEC road project is bringing optimism and improved connectivity to the residents of Pakke Kessang, signaling a positive development for the region.