A Historic Milestone: Chief Minister Pema Khandu and dignitaries travel to Pipsorang by road, fulfilling a long-standing dream and transforming lives in this remote region.
BY PC Bureau
Pipsorang’s Long-Awaited Journey to Connectivity
Tucked away in the rugged landscapes of Kra Daadi district, Pipsorang, a remote administrative unit in Arunachal Pradesh, has finally joined the rest of the nation by road—78 years after independence. It’s a story of perseverance, resilience, and a promise fulfilled.
On January 22, 2025, history was made as Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Rajya Sabha member Nabam Rebia, and Urban Development Minister Balo Raja traveled by road to the Pipsorang SDO headquarters from Tali, a journey that was once unthinkable. This moment marked the culmination of decades of struggle and years of determined planning, with Tali being the last unconnected constituency until 2022.
The first spark of hope came on February 27, 2022, when Khandu inaugurated the road to Tali, becoming the first chief minister to travel there by road. He joined the Nyokum celebrations, pledging to bring road connectivity to Pipsorang—a dream now realized with the completion of the 55-kilometer Tali-Pipsorang road under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
The road we traveled… deep into Pipsorang circle… marks a historic milestone, as it is the first time a road has reached this remote region since India gained independence.@PMOIndia @KirenRijiju @RebiaNabam @BaloRaja @MoRD_GoI @TribalAffairsIn pic.twitter.com/xsG99j1rs6
— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) January 22, 2025
For generations, life in Pipsorang meant braving dense forests, scaling steep mountainous terrain, and traversing treacherous trails on foot. Journeys that took days were a daily reality, and essentials were carried by porters or pack animals like mules and yaks. Connectivity wasn’t just a convenience; it was a lifeline.
As the convoy rolled into Pipsorang, Khandu congratulated local MLA Jikke Tako and the project teams, urging them to address the road’s steep gradients and sharp turns to ensure safe travel. He announced additional projects worth ₹44.50 crore, including township roads, administrative facilities, and even an outdoor stadium in Tali to nurture youth sports.
Khandu’s vision doesn’t stop here. Roads to Haa village, Nyobia, Ripum, and upgrades to Roing-Lodo Kore village are on the horizon. Other projects, such as the Joram-Koloriang Trans-Arunachal Highway stretch to Yangte, are already underway, and the Chief Minister has committed to connecting the 1,300 villages still waiting for road access in the state.
But beyond infrastructure, Pipsorang is a cultural gem, home to indigenous tribes whose rich heritage is an integral part of Arunachal Pradesh’s identity. With roads come opportunities—better healthcare, education, and economic growth, offering the region a brighter and more connected future.
Though challenges remain, Pipsorang’s journey from isolation to integration stands as a testament to the power of persistence and progress. With every kilometer built, Arunachal Pradesh takes one step closer to bridging its gaps and unlocking its potential.
