CM Khandu Hails PM Modi’s 12 Years of Transformative Leadership

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Itanagar, 10 June : Chief Minister Pema Khandu hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East Policy, stating that it has repositioned Arunachal Pradesh not merely as a border state but as a strategic gateway and civilisational frontier of India. Sharing international borders with Tibet, Bhutan and Myanmar, and possessing over 1,080 kilometres of international boundary, Arunachal Pradesh has emerged as a key pillar of India’s strategic and developmental vision under the Prime Minister’s leadership, he said.

Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 12 years of continuous service as the Prime Minister of India and becoming the longest-serving elected head of government in independent India, with over 4,399 consecutive days in office, Khandu described the period as an era of transformative governance, visionary leadership and unprecedented development that has fundamentally reshaped Arunachal Pradesh and the entire Northeast region.

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, Khandu expressed gratitude for the sustained support, guidance and commitment extended by the Government of India towards the development of the frontier state.

Khandu said Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has been marked by selfless dedication, bold reforms and an unwavering focus on improving the welfare and ease of living of every citizen. He noted that the Prime Minister’s vision of service and nation-building has inspired millions across the country and transformed governance into a powerful instrument of empowerment and public service.

Recalling the remarkable transformation witnessed since 2014, Khandu said 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 highlighted the unprecedented expansion of connectivity infrastructure across the state over the past 12 years. Prior to 2014, Arunachal Pradesh had less than 1,000 kilometres of National Highways. Today, the state has over 4,060 kilometres of National Highways, while nearly 14,000 kilometres of roads, along with numerous bridges, are under construction.

He cited landmark infrastructure projects such as the Trans-Arunachal Highway, Frontier Highway, Sela Tunnel and Nechiphu Tunnel, stating that these initiatives have significantly enhanced year-round connectivity to remote, border and forward areas while strengthening national security and economic integration.

Khandu also highlighted the transformative impact of the Bogibeel Bridge, inaugurated by the Prime Minister in December 2018, which has substantially reduced travel time between Arunachal Pradesh and the rest of the country. He noted that destinations such as Guwahati are now accessible within five to six hours, bringing communities, markets and opportunities closer than ever before.

Referring to improvements in air connectivity, the Chief Minister said the operationalisation of Donyi Polo Airport and the expansion of flight services from airports such as Ziro, Tezu and Pasighat have integrated Arunachal Pradesh more closely with the national transportation network.

The Chief Minister welcomed the Government of India’s decision in the Union Budget 2026-27 to announce a dedicated scheme for the development of Buddhist Circuits in six Northeastern states. He said the initiative would strengthen the conservation of monasteries, promote cultural heritage and attract visitors from across India and abroad.

Enumerating the achievements of flagship central programmes, Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed transformative progress across sectors under the Prime Minister’s leadership. Schools are being upgraded under the PM SHRI programme, educational reforms are being driven by the National Education Policy, and farmers are receiving direct income support through the PM-KISAN scheme.

He further stated that nearly two lakh families in the state are benefiting from health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh each under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. He also highlighted the ongoing construction of the State Cancer Hospital in Itanagar with support from the Government of India.

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. 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 across the state.

The Chief Minister also credited the Prime Minister’s focus on border development for accelerating the Vibrant Villages Programme. Under the initiative, infrastructure, connectivity, banking services and livelihood opportunities are being expanded in strategically important border villages such as Kibithoo, Tuting and Zemithang.

Highlighting the growing importance of the hydropower sector, Khandu noted that Arunachal Pradesh possesses an estimated hydropower potential of more than 58,000 MW. Several long-pending projects have received renewed momentum and policy support under the Prime Minister’s leadership, he said.

He stated that the 2,000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project, which remained stalled for years, has been revived and partially commissioned. Meanwhile, the 2,880 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project India’s largest hydropower project is progressing towards completion by February 2032.

Khandu further recalled that the Union Cabinet approved the construction of the Tato-I, Heo and Tato-II Hydroelectric Projects in 2024, followed by the approval of the Kamala and Kalai-II Hydroelectric Projects in April 2026. Together, these five projects are expected to generate 3.9 GW of hydropower capacity and attract investments of approximately Rs 52,000 crore into the state.

The Chief Minister also appreciated the Prime Minister’s emphasis on governance reforms, transparency and ease of living. Initiatives such as Direct Benefit Transfer, transparent recruitment systems, digitisation and citizen-centric governance have strengthened accountability and transformed public service delivery, he said.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s recent launch of the GST Bachat Utsav in Itanagar, Khandu described it as another milestone in India’s reform journey aimed at empowering citizens and enhancing economic participation.

Concluding, Khandu said the Prime Minister’s greatest legacy lies not merely in the creation of physical infrastructure but in transforming lives, expanding opportunities and inspiring aspirations across the country. He added that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Arunachal Pradesh has emerged as a confident, connected and strategically significant state, poised to play an increasingly important role in India’s growth and development in the decades ahead. (CMO PR Cell)