ITANAGAR : Chief Minister Pema Khandu has congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 12 years in office and becoming the longest-serving elected head of government in independent India, describing the period as one of transformative governance, visionary leadership and unprecedented development.
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, Khandu expressed gratitude for the Centre’s sustained support towards the development of the frontier State. He said Prime Minister Modi’s leadership had transformed Arunachal Pradesh from a region marked by strategic neglect and developmental isolation into an important contributor to India’s growth story.
Highlighting the impact of the Act East Policy, Khandu said the initiative recognised 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 km of international boundary, the State has emerged as a key pillar of India’s strategic and developmental vision, he added.
The Chief Minister said the State has witnessed unprecedented growth in connectivity infrastructure over the past 12 years. He noted that while Arunachal Pradesh had less than 1,000 km of National Highways before 2014, the network has now expanded to more than 4,060 km. Nearly 14,000 km of roads, along with numerous bridges, are currently under construction.
He cited major infrastructure projects such as the Trans-Arunachal Highway, Frontier Highway, Sela Tunnel and Nechiphu Tunnel, which have significantly improved year-round connectivity to remote and border areas. He also highlighted the transformative role of the Bogibeel Bridge and the operationalisation of Donyi Polo Airport, besides expanded air connectivity through airports at Ziro, Tezu and Pasighat.
Khandu welcomed the Union Budget 2026-27 announcement of a dedicated Buddhist Circuit development scheme for six Northeastern states, saying it would strengthen cultural heritage conservation and boost tourism.
Enumerating achievements under various flagship programmes, the Chief Minister said schools are being upgraded under the PM SHRI scheme, educational reforms are being driven by the National Education Policy, and farmers are receiving support through the PM-KISAN programme.
He added that nearly two lakh families in the State are benefiting from health insurance coverage under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, while the State Cancer Hospital at Itanagar is under construction with Central assistance.
According to Khandu, nearly 50,000 houses and toilets have been built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Swachh Bharat Mission, while the Jal Jeevan Mission has ensured piped drinking water connections to all households. The Saubhagya scheme has also achieved electrification of all villages in the State.
The Chief Minister further credited the Prime Minister’s focus on border development for accelerating implementation of the Vibrant Villages Programme in strategic locations such as Kibithoo, Tuting and Zemithang.
Highlighting progress in the hydropower sector, Khandu said several long-pending projects have gained momentum under the Centre’s support. He noted that the 2,000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project has been revived and partially commissioned, while the 2,880 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project is progressing towards completion by 2032.
He also referred to the Union Cabinet’s approval of the Tato-I, Heo, Tato-II, Kamala and Kalai-II hydropower projects, which together are expected to generate 3.9 GW of power and attract investments worth around Rs 52,000 crore.
Khandu also lauded governance reforms such as Direct Benefit Transfer, digitisation, transparent recruitment systems and citizen-centric administration, saying these initiatives have improved accountability and public service delivery. Referring to the recent launch of the GST Bachat Utsav in Itanagar, he described it as another step towards strengthening economic participation and citizen empowerment.
The Chief Minister said the Prime Minister’s enduring legacy lies not only in creating infrastructure but also in expanding opportunities, aspirations and quality of life for people across the country.
