Itanagar, Jun 24: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Tuesday inaugurated a motorable steel girder Bailey bridge over the River Rima at Khamlang in Changlang district, providing a major connectivity boost to several remote villages in the region.
The bridge was inaugurated in the presence of Nampong MLA Laisam Simai and local residents.
Describing the project as a historic milestone, Mein said the bridge would significantly improve connectivity for the villages of Sangwal Khamlang, Tikhak Khamlang and Mossang Khamlang, which had remained dependent on a hanging bridge for more than seven decades.
He noted that despite Miao being geographically close to Khamlang, the absence of a motorable bridge had compelled residents to travel through Jairampur and Jagun in Assam to reach Miao, covering a distance of more than 80 kilometres.
“With the inauguration of this bridge, Miao is now only about seven kilometres away from Khamlang, reducing travel time to around 15 minutes,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.
He added that the improved connectivity would facilitate easier access to healthcare, education, markets, government services and livelihood opportunities for the local population.
Mein said the project reflects the commitment of the government to ensuring last-mile connectivity and inclusive development in remote and previously underserved areas of the state.
The bridge is also expected to strengthen connectivity along the historic Stilwell Road corridor linking Nampong and Jairampur and improve access to Namdapha National Park, one of the country's most renowned biodiversity hotspots.
According to Mein, the enhanced connectivity is likely to create new opportunities for tourism, trade and local economic development while improving the quality of life for residents of the Khamlang area.