Itanagar, Jun 10: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East Policy, which recognised Arunachal Pradesh not merely as a border State but as a strategic gateway and civilisational frontier of India.
Congratulating the Prime Minister on completing 12 years in office and becoming the longest-serving elected head of government in independent India, Khandu described the period as an era of transformative governance, visionary leadership and unprecedented development, particularly for Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast.
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of the frontier state, Khandu expressed gratitude for the Centre’s continued support and commitment towards Arunachal Pradesh’s development.
Highlighting the state’s strategic significance, the Chief Minister noted that Arunachal Pradesh, which shares international borders with Tibet, Bhutan and Myanmar and has over 1,080 km of international boundary, has emerged as a crucial pillar of India’s strategic and developmental vision under the Prime Minister’s leadership.
Khandu said the state has witnessed remarkable improvements in connectivity since 2014. He pointed out that the length of National Highways in Arunachal Pradesh has increased from less than 1,000 km to over 4,060 km, while nearly 14,000 km of roads and numerous bridges are currently under construction.
He cited major infrastructure projects, including the Trans-Arunachal Highway, Frontier Highway, Sela Tunnel and Nechiphu Tunnel, as game changers for connectivity, national security and economic integration.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the impact of the Bogibeel Bridge, inaugurated in 2018, which has significantly reduced travel time between Arunachal Pradesh and the rest of the country.
Referring to the operationalisation of Donyi Polo Airport and the expansion of air services from Ziro, Tezu and Pasighat, Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh is now better connected to the national network.
Welcoming the Centre’s announcement of a dedicated Buddhist Circuit development scheme in the Union Budget 2026-27, he said the initiative would help preserve monasteries, promote cultural heritage and boost tourism across the Northeast.
Khandu further highlighted the impact of flagship central schemes, including PM SHRI, PM-KISAN, Ayushman Bharat, PM Awas Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission and Saubhagya. He noted that nearly two lakh families in the state are covered under Ayushman Bharat, while nearly 50,000 houses and toilets have been constructed under housing and sanitation programmes.
He also credited the Prime Minister’s focus on border development for accelerating the implementation of the Vibrant Villages Programme, under which infrastructure, connectivity, banking services and livelihood opportunities are being expanded in strategically important border villages such as Kibithoo, Tuting and Zemithang.
On the hydropower sector, Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh’s vast potential of over 58,000 MW is receiving renewed attention. He noted that the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project has been revived and partially commissioned, while the 2,880 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project is progressing towards completion by February 2032.
He added that five major hydropower projects – Tato-I, Heo and Tato-II approved in 2024 and Kamala and Kalai-II okayed in April 2026 by the Union Cabinet – are expected to generate 3.9 GW of power and attract investments worth around Rs 52,000 crore.
The Chief Minister also praised governance reforms such as Direct Benefit Transfer, digitisation, transparent recruitment systems and citizen-centric service delivery. Referring to the recent launch of the GST Bachat Utsav in Itanagar, he described it as another step towards greater economic participation and public empowerment.
Khandu added that Prime Minister Modi’s greatest legacy lies not only in building infrastructure but in transforming lives, aspirations and opportunities across the country.