India is constructing a two-lane bridge in Arunachal Pradesh, aimed at reducing the distance by 180 km for the Army's heavy vehicles transporting defense equipment such as howitzers.

The proposed 386-meter-long bridge will span over the river Siang in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, with new approach roads spanning almost 4.5 kilometer.

The project worth Rs 199 crore was put up for bidding on March 24 and is expected to be completed within the next three years.

"This road bridge is proposed in order to provide better connectivity to heavy vehicles commuting through Yingkiong-Tuting route and to provide easy and quick access to army on the Indo-China border in Upper Siang district of Arunachal. The proposed bridge connecting Yingkiong to Tuting will shorten the distance from 330 km to 150 km for heavy vehicles,” a news report quoted a government official sa saying.

There is an existing ‘Gandhi Bridge’ across Siang River near the proposed site in Yingkiong town which was inaugurated four years ago and is India’s longest single lane steel cable bridge. But this bridge imposes height and width restrictions for freight and transport.

The restrictions are considered a major limitation on this stretch for the passage of oversize freight and defence equipment.

Hence, the Border Roads Organisation will build a new two-lane extra-dosed bridge across the Siang river.

The new bridge will also be a life line for local inhabitants of Yingkiong town and will connect the western region of Siang River to NH-513 which will be an alternative route to access the town.

A few years ago, the 'Gandhi Bridge' was built across the Siang River in Yingkiong town, becoming India's longest single lane steel cable bridge.

However, this bridge has certain height and width restrictions due to an existing bridge spanning across Siang River that is limited in terms of width and loading capacity, making it difficult for oversized freight and Defence force equipment to pass through.

To address this limitation, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has announced plans to construct a new two-lane extra-dosed bridge across the Siang River in extreme steep terrain.

This new bridge is expected to provide a vital lifeline for the local inhabitants of Yingkiong town, connecting the western region of Siang River to NH-513, an alternative route to access the town.

Once completed, the new bridge is also expected to significantly improve the transportation of heavy equipment to areas close to the LAC with China, making it easier for the Indian Army to move its troops.