Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 22 September 2025 inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of development projects worth over ₹5,100 crore in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, marking a major step towards accelerating the state’s growth. The initiatives span sectors such as power, connectivity, health, tourism, and infrastructure, with two major hydropower projects—Heo (240 MW) and Tato-I (186 MW)—being key highlights. Together worth over ₹3,700 crore, these projects will strengthen Arunachal’s position as a clean energy hub.
Modi also laid the foundation stone of a state-of-the-art Convention Centre in Tawang. Located at 9,820 feet, it will accommodate over 1,500 delegates and host national and international events, bolstering tourism and cultural exchange in the frontier district. Additional projects worth over ₹1,290 crore were launched, including healthcare facilities, connectivity upgrades, fire safety infrastructure, and working women’s hostels.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister described Arunachal Pradesh as a confluence of peace and culture and the “pride of Mother India.” He lauded the patriotic spirit of the people and emphasised that the Northeast, revered as the “Ashtalakshmi of India,” is becoming a driving force of national development. He underscored that while the region was long neglected, it has emerged as a priority under his government since 2014, with Arunachal receiving over ₹1 lakh crore in tax devolution in the past decade—16 times more than earlier.
Highlighting the success of the Vibrant Villages Programme, Modi said over 450 border villages in Arunachal now have access to roads, electricity, and internet, reversing migration trends and unlocking tourism potential. He noted that improved connectivity, including new heliports and expanded flight operations under the UDAN scheme, is transforming local economies by linking farmers, traders, and industries to larger markets.
Announcing the launch of the GST Savings Festival, the Prime Minister said tax reforms have simplified GST into two slabs—5% and 18%—reducing burdens on households and businesses. He stressed that these reforms, along with developmental projects, reflect his government’s focus on ease of living, ease of travel, and ease of doing business.
The event was attended by Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd), Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju.