The Trans-Arunachal Highway (TAH), which includes an existing route comprising NH-13 () and parts of NH-15 (), NH-215 () and SH-25, is an under-construction 2-lane more than long highway passing through 16 districts in Arunachal Pradesh state in India. It runs from LAC in Tawang in northwest to Kanubari in southeast at tri-junction of Assam-Nagaland-Arunachal Pradesh. It connects at least 16 districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Trans-Arunachal Highway, passing through the entire length of the state, roughly divides Arunachal Pradesh state in two parts - the upper two-third in north and east and lower one-third. At least 1811 km route already exists as national highway, and remaining are either greenfield or an upgrade of existing routes to national highway standard. It starts from India's north most military post (north of Hathung La Ridge) in Tawang district, goes via Zemithang, Tawang, Bomdila, Nechipu, Seppa, Sagalee, Yupia, Yazali, Ziro, Daporijo, Aalo, Pasighat, southern part of Dibang Valley district, Lohit, Roing, Tezu, Mahadevpur, Bordumsa, Namchik, Changlang, Khonsa, Longding, and ends at Kanubari.
The Trans-Arunachal Highway greatly helps in reducing isolation of the people by connecting the district headquarters, major hydro electric power projects and other important places. Trans-Arunachal Highway, along with the under-construction Arunachal East-West Corridor across the lower foothills inside Arunachal Pradesh along the Assam border and the proposed Arunachal Frontier Highway along the China border, are important enablers of Northeast development and India's Look East connectivity strategy. This strategically important highway network enhances Indian military's capabilities in combating the threat of China's Western Theater Command opposite India's eastern sector of Line of Actual Control.
In October 2022, 1,458 km long route was complete and already operational. TAH, from Tawang to Kanubari in Longding district has a target completion date of March 2024.
History
In January 2008, the project was announced by then Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh.
Construction agencies
Following follow agencies are responsible for the construction of TAH in several packages.
Arunachal Pradesh state Public Works Department (APPWD): responsible for the 978 km, of which 394.59 km is already complete by Aug 2021, and remaining 583.41 km is under construction in several packages with target completion date of March 2024. Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL)
Project details
Route: existing
NH-13
Tawang-Dirang-Bomdila-Rupa-Nechiphu-Seppa: Sela Tunnel, with target completion by 2023, will provide shorter all-weather alternative connectivity. Rupa-Bhutan border: must be upgraded as an additional project NH-13- Shergaon-Samteng-Sumdrung, then greenfield to Bhutan border.
Seppa-Pakke-Kessang-Yachuli: A shorter direct Seppa-Mengio HQ- Meomey Sullong-Ziro spur must be constructed as an additional project.
Yachuli-Ziro-Daporijo-Aalo-Pasighat-Roing-Lohit-Tezu-Parshuram Kund (Brahmakund)-Wakro: Lohit-Chowkham short distance must be upgraded to National Highway as an additional project and a river bridge exists there already.
NH-15: Wakro-Namsai: Wakro-Deban camp (Namdapha National Park) must be upgraded to national highway as additional project to connect to Arunachal Frontier Highway to Vijoynagar
NH-215: Namsai-Bordumsa
NH-? Bordumsa-Kharsang-Jairampur: being upgraded to NH. Kharsang-Miao must be upgraded to national highway as additional project to connect to Arunachal Frontier Highway to Vijoynagar (Namdapha National Park).
NH-315
Jairampur-Tikhak Taipi:
NH-? Tikhak Taipi-Manmao-Rima-Changlang: being upgraded.
NH-215
Changlang-Khonsa:
NH-? Longding-Kanubari-Rajgarh-Bogibeel bridge-: being upgraded. Longding-Mon spur must be constructed as a national highway as an additional project.
Future extensions
Following extensions are needed to optimise the connectivity with the neighboring states and beyond, as these extensions will enable the larger national strategic objectives including eliminating the vulnerability of Siliguri Corridor.