Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various development works worth over Rs 5,100 crore in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. He highlighted that 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. Shri Modi noted that every individual in Arunachal is a symbol of valour and simplicity. He expressed his deep affection for the state, stating that every visit brings him immense joy and that every moment spent with the people is memorable. He acknowledged the love and affection shown to him as a great honour. “From the Tawang Monastery to the Golden Pagoda in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh represents a confluence of peace and culture”, stated the Prime Minister saluting this sacred land, calling it the pride of Mother India.
He emphasized the inauguration of numerous development projects in Arunachal Pradesh ranging across sectors including power, connectivity, tourism, and health. The Prime Minister stated that this reflects the double benefit of their Governments at the Union and the state and extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of Arunachal for these projects. He affirmed that the GST Savings Festival will bring in joy, prosperity and success to the people of India.
Emphasising that the eight states of the Northeast are revered as Ashtalakshmi, the Prime Minister said therefore cannot be left behind in the journey of development. He stressed that the Central Government is allocating substantial funds for the region’s progress. Citing an example, he explained that a portion of the taxes collected by the Centre is distributed to the states. During the previous regime, Arunachal Pradesh received only Rs 6,000 crore from central taxes over ten years. In contrast, Shri Modi emphasised that under our government, Arunachal has received over Rs 1 lakh crore in the same period 16 times more. He clarified that this figure pertains only to the tax share, and does not include additional expenditures under various schemes and major infrastructure projects being implemented in the state. The Prime Minister remarked that this is why Arunachal is witnessing such extensive and rapid development today.
Highlighting that the Union Government is working to establish heliports in remote areas of Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast, integrating these regions under the UDAN scheme, Shri Modi noted that a new terminal building has been constructed at Hollongi Airport, which now offers direct flights to Delhi. This development benefits not only regular passengers, students, and tourists, but also supports local farmers and small industries. The Prime Minister remarked that transporting fruits, vegetables, and other produce to major markets across the country has now become much easier.
He announced the foundation stone laying of two major hydropower projects worth over Rs 3,700 crore in Itanagar. The Heo Hydro Electric Project (240 MW) and Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (186 MW) will be developed in the Siyom sub-basin of Arunachal Pradesh that will strengthen Arunachal’s position as a power producer, generate employment for thousands of youth, and provide affordable electricity for developmental activities.
Highlighting the immense potential for tourism in Arunachal Pradesh, the Prime Minister noted that as connectivity expands to newer regions, tourism is steadily increasing. He expressed satisfaction that the number of tourists visiting Arunachal has doubled over the past decade. He emphasized that Arunachal’s tourism strength goes beyond nature and culture, pointing to the global rise of conference and concert tourism. In this context, Shri Modi announced that the upcoming modern convention centre in Tawang will add a new dimension to the state’s tourism landscape. He further stated that the Vibrant Villages Programme launched by the Government of India is proving to be a milestone for villages located along the border, significantly aiding Arunachal’s development.
Underlining that the rapid development visible in Arunachal Pradesh today is a result of their governments working in both Delhi and Itanagar, the Prime Minister remarked that the combined energy of the Centre and the State is being channelled into development. He cited the commencement of work on a cancer institute and the establishment of medical colleges in the region. Shri Modi added that under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, numerous citizens have received free medical treatment. He affirmed that these achievements have been made possible through their governments at Union and the state.
Underscoring that due to the efforts of their governments at Union and state, Shri Modi remarked that Arunachal Pradesh is making significant strides in agriculture and horticulture. He noted that local produce such as kiwi, oranges, cardamom, and pineapples are giving the state a new identity. He remarked that the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme is proving highly beneficial for farmers in the region.
Lauding Arunachal Pradesh for its patriotic spirit, Shri Modi noted that people here say “Jai Hind” even before “Namaskar,” placing the nation above self. He emphasized that as the country collectively strives to build a developed India, there is a national expectation of self-reliance. He stated that India will become developed only when it becomes self-reliant, and for that, the mantra of “Swadeshi” is essential. The Prime Minister urged citizens to adopt Swadeshi, stressing the importance of buying and selling only products made in India and proudly declaring them as Swadeshi. He affirmed that following this mantra will accelerate the development of the nation, Arunachal Pradesh, and the entire Northeast. He concluded by extending his best wishes for the newly launched development projects.
Prime Minister also launched multiple key infrastructure projects worth over Rs 1,290 crore, catering to various sectors including connectivity, health, fire safety, working women hostels among others. These initiatives are expected to catalyze economic activity, improve quality of life, and enhance connectivity in the region.
