Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant milestone on Saturday as he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple projects valued at nearly ₹55,000 crore across six northeastern states. The ceremony, held in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, witnessed the unveiling of crucial infrastructural developments aimed at bolstering the region’s connectivity, security, and economic growth.
Among the notable projects inaugurated was the strategically vital Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, constructed by the Border Roads Organisation at a cost of ₹825 crore. Spanning over 13,000 feet in altitude, the tunnel, comprising Tunnel 1 and Tunnel 2, serves as a lifeline for enhancing the movement of soldiers, equipment, and heavy vehicles near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Tawang sector.
In his address at the event, PM Modi emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to prioritize national interests over political considerations, rebuking past administrations for neglecting the region’s development. He underscored the transformative impact of his government’s investments in the northeast, which he claimed surpassed those of previous regimes by nearly fourfold.
Highlighting the significance of the projects, PM Modi remarked, “Sela Tunnel could have been built earlier. But Congress’s thinking and priorities were something else. They used to think what’s the need to spend so much on an area (Arunachal Pradesh) which has just two parliamentary seats. Modi doesn’t work by counting the number of parliamentary members. I work keeping the nation’s necessities in mind.”
The event also witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Dibang multipurpose hydropower project, set to be the tallest dam structure in India, with an estimated cost of ₹31,876 crore. Additionally, the launch of the UNNATI (Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization) scheme, worth ₹10,000 crore, heralds a new era of industrial growth and employment opportunities in the region.
PM Modi underscored the government’s focus on resolving long-standing issues, including peace deals with militant outfits and border disputes, paving the way for accelerated development initiatives. The projects encompass diverse sectors such as rail, road, health, housing, education, border infrastructure, IT, power, and oil and gas, aiming to foster holistic growth across the northeastern states.
Furthermore, the PM virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth ₹3,400 crore in Manipur, ₹1,700 crore in Nagaland, ₹290 crore in Meghalaya, ₹450 crore in Sikkim, and ₹8,500 crore in Tripura. Noteworthy among these is the Sabroom Land Port, facilitating enhanced connectivity and trade between India and Bangladesh.
Tripura, in particular, witnessed a slew of initiatives, including the construction of the Agartala Western Bypass, road projects, establishment of an Indian Oil Corporation depot, and an Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for drug addicts, underscoring the government’s multifaceted approach towards development.
As PM Modi concluded his visit to Arunachal Pradesh, he reiterated his commitment to transforming the northeast into a hub of growth and prosperity. His upcoming engagements in Assam, including the inauguration of the statue of legendary Ahom general Lachit Borphukan and the unveiling of projects worth ₹18,000 crore, underscore the government’s steadfast dedication to regional development and national progress.
The event, attended by dignitaries including chief ministers, governors, and union ministers, serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts aimed at ushering in a new era of prosperity and progress in India’s northeastern states.
Sources By Agencies
