Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday unveiled and laid the foundation stone of development projects worth over ₹5,100 crore in Arunachal Pradesh, declaring that the long-neglected frontier state had entered a new era of growth.
Addressing a public gathering in Itanagar, Modi saluted the state’s traditions, extending reverence to Donyi Polo and recalling the warmth he received from locals during his journey from the helipad. “Every visit brings me immense joy and every moment spent with the people is memorable,” he said, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister noted that his visit was significant for three reasons. First, on the first day of Navratri, he had the privilege of witnessing the Himalayas and worshipping Maa Shailputri. Second, he announced the implementation of next-generation GST reforms and launched the GST Savings Festival, calling it a “double bonanza” for citizens during the festive season. Third, he inaugurated a range of infrastructure projects in Arunachal, including hydropower, connectivity, tourism and health initiatives.
“From the Tawang Monastery to the Golden Pagoda in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh represents a confluence of peace and culture,” he said, describing the state as the pride of India.
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The development push included foundation stones for the Heo Hydro Electric Project (240 MW) and the Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (186 MW), worth over ₹3,700 crore in the Siyom sub-basin. He also announced a state-of-the-art Convention Centre in Tawang, located at 9,820 feet, envisioned as a premier venue for international conferences, cultural festivals, and exhibitions.
In addition, projects worth ₹1,290 crore were launched, covering connectivity, health, fire safety, and women’s hostels. These, Modi said, would “catalyse economic activity, improve quality of life, and strengthen connectivity in the region.”
The Prime Minister contrasted the new initiatives with decades of neglect. He accused earlier governments in Delhi of sidelining Arunachal because of its small population and limited parliamentary representation. “This approach caused significant harm to Arunachal and the entire Northeast,” he remarked.
Since 2014, he argued, the narrative had changed. “The guiding inspiration of our government is not the number of votes or seats in any state, but the principle of ‘Nation First’,” Modi declared. He reiterated his government’s mantra of Nagarik Devobhava and stressed that ministers and officers must not confine governance to Delhi but frequently visit the Northeast.
“Although Arunachal is the first to receive the rays of the sun, it is unfortunate that the rays of rapid development took several decades to reach here,” he said, promising that the state’s immense natural potential and the hard work of its people would now be matched with accelerated growth.
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