Itanagar, June 10 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Act East Policy’, saying it has transformed the perception of the state from a remote border region into a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia and a vital civilisational frontier of India.
He said the policy has brought Arunachal Pradesh to the centre of India’s connectivity, development and geopolitical vision for the eastern region, an official statement said.
The Chief Minister said, sharing international borders with Tibet, Bhutan and Myanmar and possessing more than 1,080 km of international boundary, Arunachal Pradesh has emerged as a key pillar of India’s strategic and developmental vision under the Prime Minister’s leadership.
Congratulating Prime Minister Modi on completing 12 years of continuous service as the Prime Minister of India, besides becoming the longest-serving elected head of government in the history of Independent India, completing more than 4,399 consecutive days in office, Chief Minister Khandu described the tenure as an “era of transformative governance, visionary leadership and unprecedented development that has fundamentally changed the trajectory of Arunachal Pradesh and the entire Northeast region”.
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude for the sustained support, guidance and commitment extended by the Union government towards development of the frontier state.
Chief Minister Khandu said that Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has been defined by selfless devotion, bold reforms and an unwavering focus on the welfare and ease of living of every citizen.
He noted that the Prime Minister’s vision of “Seva” (service) and nation-building has inspired millions across the country and transformed governance into an instrument of empowerment and public service.
Recalling the remarkable transformation witnessed since 2014, Chief Minister Khandu said that Arunachal Pradesh has moved from decades of strategic neglect and developmental isolation to becoming an important contributor to India’s growth story.
The Chief Minister underscored the unprecedented expansion of connectivity infrastructure in the state during the past twelve years.
He noted: “Prior to 2014, Arunachal Pradesh had less than 1,000 km of National Highways. Today, the state has more than 4,060 km of National Highways, while nearly 14,000 km of roads, including innumerable bridges, are under construction across the state.”
Chief Minister Khandu also highlighted landmark infrastructure projects such as the Trans-Arunachal Highway, Frontier Highway, Sela Tunnel and Nechiphu Tunnel, saying that these projects have significantly improved year-round connectivity to remote, border and forward areas while strengthening national security and economic integration.
The Chief Minister also cited the transformative impact of the Bogibeel Bridge, inaugurated by the Prime Minister in December 2018, which has drastically reduced travel time between Arunachal Pradesh and the rest of the country.
He noted that places such as Guwahati are now accessible within five to six hours, bringing communities and markets closer than ever before.
Highlighting advances in air connectivity, CM Khandu said the operationalisation of Donyi Polo Airport and expansion of flight services from airports such as Ziro, Tezu and Pasighat have brought Arunachal Pradesh into the mainstream of national connectivity.
The Chief Minister also welcomed the Central government’s decision in the Union Budget 2026-27 to announce a dedicated scheme for development of Buddhist Circuits in six Northeastern states.
He said the initiative would significantly strengthen conservation of monasteries, promote cultural heritage and attract visitors from across India and abroad.
Enumerating the achievements of various flagship programmes, the Chief Minister added that Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed transformative progress in every sector under the Prime Minister’s leadership.
He noted that schools across the state are being upgraded through the PM SHRI programme, educational reforms are being driven by the National Education Policy, and farmers are receiving direct income support under the PM-KISAN scheme.
Chief Minister Khandu also said that nearly two lakh families in the state are benefiting from health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh each under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
He also highlighted the ongoing construction of the State Cancer Hospital at Itanagar with support from the Union government.
The Chief Minister added that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Swachh Bharat Mission, nearly 50,000 houses and toilets have been constructed in Arunachal Pradesh, improving living standards and ensuring dignity for thousands of families.
He also noted that under the Jal Jeevan Mission, piped drinking water has reached 100 per cent of households, while the Saubhagya scheme has ensured electrification of all villages in the state.
Chief Minister Khandu also credited the Prime Minister’s focus on border development for bringing unprecedented momentum to 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.
The Chief Minister highlighted the growing importance of the hydropower sector under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
Referring to Arunachal Pradesh’s estimated hydropower potential of more than 58,000 MW, CM Khandu noted that several long-pending projects have received renewed attention and policy support.
He said that the 2,000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project, which had remained stalled for years, has been revived and partially commissioned, while the 2,880 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project — India’s largest hydropower project — is progressing towards completion by February 2032.
Chief Minister Khandu also recalled that the Union Cabinet, under the Prime Minister’s leadership, approved the construction of the Tato-I, Heo and Tato-II Hydroelectric Projects in 2024 and subsequently approved the Kamala and Kalai-II Hydroelectric Projects in April 2026.
“Together, these five projects will generate 3.9 GW of hydropower capacity and attract investments of nearly Rs 52,000 crore into the state.”
The Chief Minister also appreciated Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on governance reforms, transparency and ease of living.
He noted that initiatives such as Direct Benefit Transfer, transparent recruitment systems, digitisation and citizen-centric governance have strengthened accountability and transformed public service delivery.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s recent launch of the GST Bachat Utsav in Itanagar, CM Khandu described it as another milestone in the reform journey aimed at empowering citizens and improving economic participation.
He added that Prime Minister Modi’s greatest legacy lies not merely in physical infrastructure but in transforming lives, aspirations and opportunities across the country.
–IANS
sc/khz
