New Delhi: Travel used to be an often nightmare in some of the north-eastern states. Roads are still pretty bad in a few states. But Arunachal Pradesh seemed to have turned the clock and in a sort of miracle–this BJP-ruled state “is able to offer best driving destination for the supercars”.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu has tweeted and posted videos of the thrilling joy drive, highlighting the tiny state’s achievements and great tourism potentials.
“With these beauties rolling on the highway of Arunachal, the view becomes much more amazing and splendid. We are proud to say, Arunachal is able to offer itself as one of the best driving destination for the supercars,” he wrote.
Reports from state capital Itanagar say–Pasighat in East Siang district became the talk of the town after scores of supercars pulled up on these roads. Sources said supercars such as Ferrari, Aston Martin, Audi and Lamborghini are zooming past the streets.
“A testimony of improving road quality in Arunachal. For the first time, Supercars touch down mesmerizing roads running alongside breathtaking sceneries,” the Chief Minister wrote in another missive.
Some roads in the northeast offer not only sand, haze, brown mud and dry stone powder. They are also the scariest. The narrow roads, low hanging cliffs and sharp turns could easily lead the best drivers to the deathbed.
In fact, in Arunachal Pradesh itself, Sela Pass in Tawang district is generally cautioned as one of the scariest roads. This road connects Tezpur in Assam plains to the famous Buddhist township, as the highest mountain and slippery curves at the height of 4170 miles above sea level could be fatal. Landslides always offer a major problem in travel in the region.
In the 1990s, the then Railway Minister George Fernandes had to walk for about two hours to reach state capital Kohima accompanied his ‘friend’ and Nagaland Chief Minister Late Vamuzo.
Landslides during the rainy season are annual features disrupting vehicular traffic every year.
However, since 2016, the sanction of a whopping Rs 97,000 crore central budget for roads and highways has changed the scenario in many places.
Arunachal Pradesh is, for the time being, reaping some glories and benefits.
