A new national highway connecting Assam and Arunachal Pradesh has been notified by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, bringing renewed attention to the poor condition of a key route in the region. The notification has raised hopes that long-awaited repairs will be undertaken on the deteriorating Likabali-Garu stretch.

The newly designated National Highway 515A begins at its junction with NH-515 near Akajan in Assam. From there, it passes through Likabali, Siji, Garu, Dali and Basar before ending at its junction with NH-13 near Bam, also known as Bame, in Arunachal Pradesh.

The route is used by daily commuters, traders and security personnel travelling towards border areas. Its notification has focused attention on the condition of the Likabali-Garu section, which has been identified as a major bottleneck for movement between the two states.

The stretch is marked by extensive potholes and is vulnerable to blockages caused by landslides. Conditions worsen during the monsoon, disrupting the movement of essential supplies to towns in Arunachal Pradesh and adding to the difficulties faced by people dependent on the route.

The Galo Youth Organisation welcomed the notification after pursuing the demand for repairs for several years. The organisation’s support reflects the importance attached to the highway by communities and other users who have experienced prolonged disruption on the route. The notification formally identifies the alignment of NH-515A, while concerns over road quality remain centred on the Likabali-Garu stretch and the need to improve its reliability for regular traffic.