Arunachal receives major boost as PM Modi launches ₹5,125 crore projects, including Tato-I and Heo hydropower and a convention centre in Tawang.
BY PC Bureau
September 22, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a strong critique of the Congress party, accusing it of neglecting Arunachal Pradesh and the broader Northeast due to its limited parliamentary representation. Speaking at a rally in Itanagar, Modi said Congress governments ignored the region, leaving it behind in development.
“Although Arunachal Pradesh is where the sun’s rays fall first, it took decades for the rays of rapid development to reach here. Those running the country from Delhi often ignored Arunachal. Parties like Congress thought, ‘there are so few people and only two Lok Sabha seats, so why pay attention?’ This mindset caused significant harm to Arunachal and the entire Northeast,” he said.
Highlighting the contrast with his government, Modi noted that Arunachal Pradesh received over ₹1 lakh crore from the Centre in the last decade—16 times more than what Congress allocated during its rule. “I knew the Northeast could not be developed from Delhi alone. That is why I sent ministers and officials regularly here. I have personally visited the region more than 70 times since becoming Prime Minister,” he added, stressing the double benefits of a double-engine government.
Taking a swipe at the opposition, Modi added, “Congress kept increasing taxes even when people were already burdened by rising costs. When I assumed office in 2014, I resolved to free the country from the mindset of Congress. Our guiding principle is not the number of votes or seats in any state, but ‘Nation First’. Our mantra is Nagrik Devo Bhava—the citizen is God. That is why Arunachal, neglected under Congress, has become a center of developmental priority since 2014.”
Modi also lauded Arunachal as a “land of peace and harmony, from Tawang Monastery to Namsai Pagoda,” emphasizing his government’s commitment to accelerating growth, unlike the decades of neglect under Congress.
READ: The Wire Case: SC Signals Move to Decriminalize Defamation
GST Reforms: Engaging with Local Entrepreneurs
In line with the government’s economic reforms, PM Modi met with local traders and entrepreneurs in Itanagar to discuss the impact of the newly introduced GST rate reductions. The reforms, effective from September 22, 2025, simplify the tax structure and reduce rates on over 375 items, aiming to ease the financial burden on consumers and businesses alike.
During the interaction, PM Modi distributed placards bearing the message “Garv se kaho yeh swadeshi hai” (Say with pride, this is indigenous), encouraging the promotion and consumption of locally produced goods. He highlighted that these reforms are part of a larger initiative to bolster the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) campaign.
WATCH LIVE: Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi’s special address to the nation. https://t.co/eTH7U5jBAw
— BJP (@BJP4India) September 21, 2025
PM Modi Launches ₹5,125 Crore Infrastructure Projects
From Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar, Modi virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation for several major projects worth over ₹5,125 crore.
Tato-I Hydropower Project (186 MW): Jointly developed by the Arunachal Pradesh government and North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO) at ₹1,750 crore, expected to generate 802 million units of electricity annually.
Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi interacted with traders and industry representatives in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh on the impact of the recently implemented GST rate reforms.#NextGenGST #GSTBachatUtsav pic.twitter.com/5FcnGDodgc
— BJP (@BJP4India) September 22, 2025
READ: Analysis: PK’s Name-and-Shame Leaves Bihar NDA Reeling
Heo Hydropower Project (240 MW): Also developed by the state government and NEEPCO at ₹1,939 crore, expected to produce 1,000 million units per year on the Yarjep river, contributing significantly to regional energy security.
Convention Centre in Tawang: Laid under the PM-DevINE scheme at ₹145.37 crore, capable of hosting over 1,500 people, designed to meet global standards and boost tourism and cultural potential.
Additionally, Modi launched several other infrastructure projects worth over ₹1,290 crore, spanning sectors such as connectivity, health, and fire safety, officials said.
The programme was attended by Governor KT Parnaik, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
