PM Modi unveils Rs 5100 Cr projects in Arunachal Pradesh

Itanagar, Sep 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 5100 crore in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that the state symbolises patriotism, peace, and cultural pride.

“Arunachal is not only the land of the rising sun but also a land of fervent patriotism. Just as the first colour of the national flag is saffron, Arunachal’s spirit too begins with saffron,” Modi told a large gathering, adding that every visit to the frontier state fills him with “immense joy” and that the “love and affection” of its people is a great honour.

The Prime Minister announced the rollout of next-generation GST reforms, including a simplified two-rate structure and the launch of a nationwide GST Savings Festival, which he said would provide “a double bonanza during the festive season.”

He declared, “Households will now experience substantial relief in their monthly budgets. Kitchen supplies, children’s education materials, footwear and clothing have all become more affordable.”

Modi underlined three reasons that made his visit special: the auspicious first day of Navratri, the nationwide implementation of the new GST regime, and the inauguration of projects across power, connectivity, health, and tourism in Arunachal. “This reflects the double benefit of our governments at the Union and state level,” he said.

Among the projects launched were two major hydropower projects—the 240 MW Heo Hydro Electric Project and the 186 MW Tato-I Hydro Electric Project—worth over Rs 3700 crore, as well as a state-of-the-art Convention Centre in Tawang, and infrastructure schemes worth Rs 1290 crore covering roads, healthcare, fire safety, and working women hostels.

While praising the state’s natural beauty and resilience, the Prime Minister also accused previous governments of neglect. “Those who governed from Delhi earlier believed that Arunachal, with its small population and just two Lok Sabha seats, did not warrant attention. That mindset caused great harm to Arunachal and the entire Northeast,” he said.

He contrasted this with his government’s approach since 2014: “The guiding inspiration of our government is not the number of votes or seats, but ‘Nation First’.” Modi noted that Arunachal’s share of central taxes rose from just Rs 6000 crore in the previous decade to over Rs 1 lakh crore under his administration.

Highlighting efforts to integrate the Northeast, the Prime Minister said Union Ministers have visited the region more than 800 times in the last decade, compared to once in two or three months under earlier regimes. “I myself have visited the Northeast more than 70 times. Our government has bridged the emotional gap and brought Delhi closer to the people,” he said.

On infrastructure, Modi said the Sela Tunnel had become a “symbol of Arunachal’s progress” and announced new heliports under the UDAN scheme. He added that the new terminal building at Hollongi Airport, now offering direct flights to Delhi, was benefiting farmers by enabling easier transport of fruits and vegetables to major markets. The Prime Minister also pitched for self-reliance. “India will become developed only when it becomes self-reliant, and for that the mantra of ‘Swadeshi’ is essential. We must buy and sell products made in India and proudly declare them Swadeshi,” he urged.

Modi announced plans to empower women through his mission to create three crore “Lakhpati Didis” across the country and welcomed Arunachal’s active role in the scheme. “The commencement of working women hostels in the state will greatly benefit young women,” he added. Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister said Arunachal Pradesh, with its patriotic spirit, “where people say Jai Hind even before Namaskar” was playing a key role in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd), Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju were present at the event.