Itanagar, Sept 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for infrastructure projects worth over ₹5,100 crore in Arunachal Pradesh, marking a significant leap in the region’s connectivity and development.
Addressing a large gathering in Itanagar, Modi hailed Arunachal as “the land of the rising sun and fervent patriotism,” and paid homage to the local deity Donyi Polo. He emphasised the cultural richness and strategic importance of the Northeast, referring to the eight states as India’s “Ashtalakshmi.”
Among the key highlights was the inauguration of the new terminal at Hollongi Airport, which now offers direct flights to Delhi. Modi noted that this would benefit students, farmers, and tourists by reducing travel time and improving access to national markets.
He contrasted the current financial support with previous administrations, stating that Arunachal received only Rs 6,000 crore in central tax share over a decade, while his government has allocated over Rs 1 lakh crore in the same period—excluding scheme-based funding.
Modi also spotlighted the success of the Vibrant Village Programme and the UDAN scheme’s heliport expansion in remote areas. He reiterated that simplified GST slabs of 5% and 18% have eased the tax burden on essential goods.
The event was attended by Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd), Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, among other dignitaries.
