The Centre has reassigned execution of the ₹42,000 crore Frontier Highway project in Arunachal Pradesh to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), effectively sidelining the state Public Works Department (PWD) despite its involvement since the project’s inception.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has tasked BRO with executing the western stretch of the ambitious highway and NHIDCL with the eastern section. The decision marks a significant shift in the handling of one of India’s largest and most strategic infrastructure projects along the Indo-Tibet border.
State government officials have expressed dissatisfaction over the move, noting that the PWD had played a key role in the early stages, including assisting in the preparation of detailed project reports (DPRs). The matter has reportedly been raised with Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
The Frontier Highway, designated National Highway 913, will run from Mago-Thingbu in Tawang to Vijaynagar in Changlang district, traversing remote border areas close to the Line of Actual Control. The project is expected to bolster both civilian connectivity and strategic mobility in sensitive frontier regions.
The reassignment comes against the backdrop of an ongoing investigation into an alleged land compensation scam in East Kameng district, particularly in the Lada-Sarli stretch of the project. The probe, led by the state’s Anti-Corruption Bureau, has resulted in multiple arrests and suspensions, including that of a former deputy commissioner.
Also read: Four Arunachal officials suspended in frontier highway scam
While officials have not formally linked the shift in execution agencies to the controversy, sources indicated that concerns over transparency and project management may have influenced the decision to entrust the work to centrally monitored agencies.
Earlier this year, MoRTH had issued bid acceptance letters to several firms for construction of the highway. However, the project is yet to begin on the ground, raising concerns over timelines.
The Frontier Highway carries a targeted completion date of 2027, but delays in execution, coupled with the recent reshuffle, could impact progress. At the same time, revised national highway norms, which allow extended timelines for large and complex infrastructure projects, may provide some leeway.
Experts say the involvement of BRO and NHIDCL could improve coordination, monitoring, and execution speed, particularly in difficult terrain. However, the exclusion of the state PWD may alter local coordination dynamics and limit the use of on-ground administrative experience.
The development also comes amid heightened focus on border infrastructure, with the Centre pushing for faster connectivity along frontier regions to strengthen both defence preparedness and economic integration.
With the project yet to break ground, its progress will be closely watched as the Centre recalibrates execution in a bid to meet strategic and developmental objectives.
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