PM Modi laid the foundation stone for ₹5,127 crore projects in Arunachal Pradesh, including hydropower plants, the Frontier Highway, and Vibrant Village Programme Phase-II, boosting border security, energy generation, connectivity, tourism, and community development in the strategic north-eastern state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday laid the foundation stone for 13 major development projects worth over ₹5,127 crore in Arunachal Pradesh, reaffirming the government’s commitment to boosting connectivity, energy generation, and economic opportunities in the strategically important north-eastern state.
The virtual ceremony was organized at the Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar, where thousands of people gathered to witness the launch of new infrastructure and hydroelectric projects that promise to transform the region. Alongside the foundation stone laying, the Prime Minister also addressed a massive public meeting, underscoring his government’s focus on sustainable development and border security.
Major Hydropower Boost for Arunachal Pradesh
Among the projects unveiled, two large hydroelectric power plants stood out as key initiatives. Developed by the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) in partnership with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the projects are expected to generate a combined capacity of 426 MW.
The first, the Tato-I hydroelectric project with 186 MW capacity, and the second, the 240 MW Heo hydroelectric project, are being built over the Yarjep River in Shi Yomi district. Together, these projects are expected to generate an estimated 1,803 million units of electricity annually, significantly boosting the state’s power supply.
With an estimated cost of over ₹3,700 crore, the projects are expected to not only provide energy security but also financial benefits. Once commissioned, Arunachal Pradesh will receive free power worth over ₹98 crore annually, alongside a Local Area Development Fund of ₹16 crore every year, which will support community development in project areas.
Focus on Tourism and Trade
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art integrated convention centre at Tawang, to be constructed at a cost of ₹147 crore. The centre is expected to become a hub for meetings, conferences, and exhibitions while creating new livelihood opportunities in tourism, services, and handicrafts.
Ahead of the event, PM Modi also visited an exhibition in Itanagar showcasing local crafts and interacted with artisans, traders, and craftspersons, highlighting the government’s push to promote traditional skills and local entrepreneurship.
Strategic Infrastructure Projects
In addition to the hydropower and convention centre projects, PM Modi launched 10 infrastructure projects worth ₹1,291 crore. These include the ambitious 1,830-km Frontier Highway project, designed to run parallel to the McMahon Line from Bomdila in West Kameng district to Vijaynagar in Changlang district.
Officials described the highway as a project of both strategic and developmental importance, as it will enhance border connectivity, strengthen national security, and improve accessibility to remote border regions.
Vibrant Village Programme Phase-II
The Prime Minister also announced the launch of the second phase of the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP), under which 122 border villages in Arunachal Pradesh will receive all-weather roads, 4G telecom connectivity, and access to on-grid electricity.
Of these, 67 villages are along the India-Myanmar border, while 55 villages are near the India-Bhutan border. With an outlay of ₹2,205 crore sanctioned by the Ministry of Home Affairs, VVP-II aims to provide livelihood opportunities, improve living standards, and integrate border populations into the national mainstream.
The larger VVP initiative, with a total outlay of ₹6,839 crore, will run until FY 2028-29 across select states and Union Territories including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Officials said the programme’s broader objectives include controlling cross-border crimes, ensuring national security, and strengthening the role of border residents as “eyes and ears” of security forces.
Leaders Present at the Event
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including 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 MP Tapir Gao, and Rajya Sabha MP Nabam Rebia.
In his address, PM Modi reiterated that the development of border states like Arunachal Pradesh was a top priority for the government. He stressed that investments in infrastructure, energy, and tourism will not only strengthen security but also empower local communities with opportunities for growth.
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The projects collectively mark a significant push towards transforming Arunachal Pradesh into an energy-rich, well-connected, and strategically secure state, while also boosting its socio-economic profile in line with national development goals.
