PM Modi Launches Rs 5,100-Crore Development Projects in Arunachal Pradesh, Announces GST Savings Festival

Itanagar, September 22 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 5,100 crore in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, covering sectors such as power, connectivity, health, tourism, and women’s welfare.

Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister extended reverence to the Almighty Donyi Polo and praised the people of Arunachal Pradesh for their patriotism and warm hospitality. Calling the state the pride of Mother India, he said Arunachal represents a confluence of peace and culture.

Three Key Announcements
PM Modi described his visit as special for three reasons:

1. On the auspicious first day of Navratri, he invoked blessings of Maa Shailputri, daughter of the Himalayas.

2. He launched next-generation GST reforms and announced the GST Savings Festival, promising relief in household expenses.

3. He inaugurated and laid foundations for several development projects across Arunachal, calling them a reflection of double benefits from Centre–State partnership.

Boost for Power, Tourism and Connectivity
Among the major announcements were two hydroelectric projects – the Heo Hydro Electric Project (240 MW) and Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (186 MW) – worth over Rs 3,700 crore, aimed at harnessing Arunachal’s vast hydro potential.

He also laid the foundation of a world-class Convention Centre in Tawang, located at 9,820 feet, with a capacity for 1,500 delegates to host global conferences, cultural festivals, and exhibitions.

Infrastructure projects worth over Rs 1,290 crore were launched, including road upgrades, health facilities, working women’s hostels, and fire safety services.

Northeast as a Development Priority
Highlighting his government’s commitment, PM Modi contrasted current policies with past neglect. He said Arunachal received just Rs 6,000 crore from central taxes in the decade before 2014, while under his government, the figure has risen to over Rs 1 lakh crore.

He underscored that Union Ministers have made more than 800 visits to the Northeast since 2014, and he himself has travelled there over 70 times. We have bridged the emotional gap and brought Delhi closer to the people, he remarked.

Border villages, once dismissed as last villages, have been redefined as first villages, he said, citing progress under the Vibrant Villages Programme, which has benefited more than 450 border villages in Arunachal alone.

Ease of Living, Tax Relief and Women’s Empowerment
PM Modi highlighted his government’s focus on Ease of Living, Travel, Education, and Doing Business, citing examples like the Sela Tunnel, new heliports, and Hollongi Airport’s direct flights to Delhi.

He announced that annual income up to Rs 12 lakh is now tax-free and that GST has been simplified into just two slabs — 5 percent and 18 percent. Essential items, from kitchen goods to children’s school supplies, have become more affordable, he added.

On women’s empowerment, he reiterated his mission of creating three crore Lakhpati Didis, praised the efforts of Chief Minister Pema Khandu in supporting the initiative, and noted the opening of new working women’s hostels in the state.

Call for Self-Reliance
Urging citizens to adopt Swadeshi, PM Modi said India will become developed only when it becomes self-reliant. Buy and sell products made in India with pride.

Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd), Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, and other dignitaries.