Why are there few cities and towns in Arunachal Pradesh?

The scarcity of cities and towns in Arunachal Pradesh is primarily due to the state's challenging geography and rugged terrain. The region consists of deep valleys, highland plateaus, and ridges that rise to the peaks of the Great Himalayas, making large-scale urban development difficult.1

This mountainous landscape has historically hindered the development of infrastructure, including transportation and communications, which are essential for supporting dense urban centers. Consequently, the state has the lowest population density in India, with most of the population living in dispersed villages or isolated farmsteads rather than concentrated urban areas. While there are fewer than two dozen towns in the entire state, the majority of the populace remains concentrated in the low-lying valleys, with hill peoples residing in scattered upland communities.23