Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh witnessed a major development push as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth over ₹5,125 crore. From hydropower plants to cancer hospitals and new roadways, the initiatives cover almost every sector critical to the state’s growth.
The projects are being seen as part of the Centre’s long-term strategy to boost connectivity in the Northeast, harness the region’s hydro potential, and ensure better health facilities in remote areas.
Power Projects: Tapping the State’s Hydro Potential
Energy security took center stage in the announcements. PM Modi laid the foundation for two major hydropower projects:
- Tato-I Hydropower Project: Estimated at ₹1,750 crore, this 186 MW plant is expected to generate around 802 million units of electricity annually.
- Heo Hydropower Project: With a capacity of 240 MW, the project is pegged at ₹1,939 crore and will add nearly 1,000 million units of clean energy every year.
“These power plants will not only ensure uninterrupted electricity for Arunachal Pradesh but will also make the state a significant contributor to India’s renewable energy grid,” the Prime Minister said in his address.
Experts believe these projects could open up new employment opportunities while reducing dependency on expensive imported fuel. However, environmental groups are also likely to keep a close watch on how river ecosystems are managed during construction.
Healthcare: A Major Relief for Patients
One of the biggest highlights was the inauguration of the State Cancer Institute in Itanagar, developed at a cost of ₹217 crore. For a state where patients often travel to Guwahati or Delhi for advanced treatment, this comes as a life-changing facility.
Doctors present at the event pointed out that early detection and treatment will now be possible without long travel delays. “Cancer patients from the Northeast often lose crucial time in travel. This institute will change that story,” said a senior oncologist.
Roads and Connectivity: Linking Remote Villages
Connectivity has always been a challenge in Arunachal Pradesh, with many villages cut off during monsoons. Modi inaugurated and announced several new roads:
- Road to Peki Modi Village (Upper Siang): Worth ₹69 crore, this road will connect Peki Modi by motorable route for the first time.
- Amuli–Athunli Road via Leyaka Pass (Dibang Valley): A ₹96 crore project that will make inter-village travel easier in one of the toughest terrains.
Better roads are expected to help farmers reach markets faster, improve education access, and also strengthen border security.
Boost to Tourism and Culture: Tawang Convention Centre
Under the PM-DevINE scheme, the Prime Minister laid the foundation for a Convention Centre in Tawang worth ₹145 crore. With a capacity of more than 1,500 seats, the centre is expected to host cultural events, international conferences, and attract tourists from across the globe.
“Tawang already draws thousands of visitors for its monasteries and natural beauty. This centre will put it on the global tourism map,” said Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
Housing and Administration: Mini Secretariats, Fire Stations, and Hostels
The development push did not stop at power and roads. Several smaller but significant projects were launched, including mini-secretariats, hostels for working women, fire stations, and residential quarters for government employees. These are aimed at improving governance efficiency and providing essential facilities for local communities.
Local Voices: Development on the Ground
The mood in Itanagar was optimistic. Locals welcomed the announcements but also voiced concerns about delays and maintenance.
“Every government comes with promises. What we hope is that these projects don’t remain on paper but are completed on time,” said Tashi, a shopkeeper near the State Secretariat.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized that the projects were designed keeping long-term sustainability in mind. “These are not just buildings and roads, they are lifelines for our people,” he remarked.
Challenges Ahead
While the announcements drew applause, experts noted a few challenges:
- Environmental Concerns: Hydropower dams in fragile Himalayan ecosystems can disrupt river flow and biodiversity. Proper safeguards will be critical.
- Maintenance of Roads: Harsh weather and landslides often damage roads in the Northeast. Consistent upkeep will determine long-term success.
- Skilled Manpower: Execution of large projects will require trained engineers and workforce, something the state may need to import initially.
The Bigger Picture
For Arunachal Pradesh, these projects symbolize more than just infrastructure—they reflect New Delhi’s commitment to integrate the Northeast with the rest of the country.
If executed properly, the state could emerge as a hydropower hub, a tourism hotspot, and a model for healthcare in hilly terrain.
But the real test will be visible in the coming years—whether electricity tariffs drop, whether cancer patients actually find relief locally, and whether roads stay open through heavy monsoons.
For now, however, the people of Arunachal seem hopeful. As one student at the event summed it up: “It feels like we’re finally being connected to the mainstream in every sense.”