Connectivity is a huge challenge in the whole of Northeast and it is inarguably the single-most disturbing bottleneck that has resulted in the region’s overall and continuing backwardness. In Arunachal, the problem is severe and whenever any proposition of development through way of project(s) is undertaken, the first thing that strikes is how to overcome the connectivity hardships and then concentrate on the project itself. There is always a wish that had this aspect been given adequate emphasis decades earlier, wheels of progress would have moved much faster. With this ubiquitous longing of having better connectivity, any initiative in the process do creates waves of expectations among the state’s people. Last Friday’s foundation stone laying ceremony of Northeast Frontier Railway camp office cum rest house at Tawang is one such which has renewed hopes, but admittedly not without apprehensions. This is because, over-stepping of deadlines of projects meant for infrastructure building in Arunachal is a fact which has spread like a contagious disease. But special attention has fallen over Tawang rail link since it’s not just any other project, but carries vital ramifications for the country’s security aspect.

Importance of Tawang from India’s security point of view has been elaborated by experts on various platforms and journals dealing with defence matters. Interestingly, there is a wide unanimity on the need for developing this district as a suitable vantage point to face any security threat from China and for that, establishing connectivity is the primary task. This is an absolute necessity, if the lessons from the lost 1962 Indo-China war are taken seriously. Various infrastructural shortcomings, particularly regarding transportation of men and machinery to this place were the main causes that led to People’s Liberation Army overwhelming Indian troops with ease. China’s stand about Arunachal is also clear- it has declared on multiple times and various through ways that it’s their territory named South Tibet. Assembling both the war memories and evaluating the current scenario, it’s thus apparent that without adequately taking care of Tawang, dreams of winning a military conflict with China would actually mean living in a fool’s paradise. But a sneak peek just across the border will always escalate concern. Various reports will corroborate that everything there, particularly roads and rails constructions have taken war-time speeds. If there is really any true intention of matching China’s might, then the usual lethargy that defines the Indian ways of functioning shouldn’t be shown any tolerance. Besides the security angle, the project will also usher tangible economic development on all fronts in state, tourism being the foremost.

Countdown has begun and it is expected that both  state and central governments display sense of urgency. Tawang rail connectivity must be taken as a matter of national importance and prestige and lackadaisical attitude be given no space.