Itanagar : PM Modi Arunachal initiatives received a major boost on Monday. He laid the foundation stone for 13 development projects worth over Rs 5,127 crore. These projects will strengthen infrastructure, promote regional growth, and enhance the local economy.
During an event at Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar, the Prime Minister virtually commissioned two major hydro power projects. They have a combined generation capacity of 426 MW. NEEPCO, the state-owned North Eastern Electric Power Corporation, will develop them.
A state government official said NEEPCO is executing the projects in a joint venture with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Specifically, the projects include the 186-MW Tato-I hydroelectric project and the 240-MW Heo hydroelectric project over the Yarjep River in Shi Yomi district. Together, they will generate 1,803 million units annually.
Before addressing the main gathering, PM Modi visited an exhibition. There, he interacted with local traders, artisans, and craftspersons who showcased regional products.
The official added that after the two power plants start operating, the state will receive free power worth over Rs 98 crore. Additionally, the Local Area Development Fund will provide over Rs 16 crore annually for community development.
PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art integrated convention centre in Tawang. The centre will cost Rs 147 crore. It will host meetings, conferences, and exhibitions. Moreover, it will create livelihood opportunities in tourism, services, and handicrafts.
He further laid the foundation for 10 infrastructure projects totaling Rs 1,291 crore. These include the 1,830-km Frontier Highway and the second phase of the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP).
The Frontier Highway will run parallel to the McMahon Line. It will stretch from Bomdila in West Kameng district to Vijaynagar in Changlang district. This highway will improve national security and border connectivity.
The second phase of the VVP will provide 122 border villages with all-weather roads, 4G telecom connectivity, and on-grid electrification. Among these, 67 villages lie along the India-Myanmar border and 55 along the India-Bhutan border.
The Ministry of Home Affairs sanctioned Rs 2,205 crore for the VVP. With a total outlay of Rs 6,839 crore, the programme will extend to strategic villages in Arunachal Pradesh and other states/UTs until FY 2028-29. Its goals include improving living conditions, creating livelihoods, strengthening border security, preventing trans-border crime, and integrating border populations as vigilant community members.
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General (Retd) K.T. Parnaik, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, state Assembly Speaker Tesam Pongte, Lok Sabha Member Tapir Gao, and Rajya Sabha Member Nabam Rebia attended the event.
–IANS
