Modi lays foundation of projects worth `4,000 cr

GOVT GIVING IMPORTANCE TO SENSITIVE ARUNACHAL: PM

PM Modi on Saturday inaugurated and laid foundation stone of projects in Arunachal Pradesh worth over Rs 4,000 crore and said his government was giving a lot of importance to improve connectivity in the sensitive border state.

Atddressing a function at the IG Park in Itanagar, he said his government was giving importance to improve the highway, railway, airway and power situation in Arunachal Pradesh, which he alleged was neglected by the previous governments.

Terming the state the "pride" of the country, Modi said it is the gateway to the nation as it guards the frontier. It is the duty of the government to develop the state at any cost, he said.

"Arunachal is a symbol of faith for the country as it gives us strength. The people used to greet each other with 'Jai Hind' and I salute the people for their patriotism," the prime minister said adding, India will develop only if Arunachal and the entire northeast develops.

"In the past 55 months, I have paid several visits to Arunachal Pradesh and today inaugurated and laid foundation of projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore," he said.

The prime minister said work is going on for projects worth Rs 13,000 crore in the state and alleged that the previous regime neglected the northeast region.

"Compare us with the previous govt and see the difference," he told the audience.

Modi added his govt has allocated Rs 44,000 crore for the region which is double the amount the previous UPA government did. The previous governments did not care about youth and border security, he claimed.

Modi laid the foundation stone for construction of greenfield Airport at Hollongi and inaugurated an upgraded and retrofitted airport at Tezu in Lohit district at a worth of Rs 125 crore through remote control at a function at IG Park.

The Tezu airport will connect Guwahati, Jorhat and Hollongi. Fruit and flowers can reach any market of the country in hours, he said.

Terming tourism as a money spinner for the state, the PM said with the coming up of the greenfield airport and rail network, the industry would flourish and many unemployed youth would get employment opportunities.

The PM laid the foundation of Sela Tunnel, the all-weather connectivity to the Tawang Valley for civilians and security forces. It will reduce travel time to Tawang by an hour and boost tourism and economic activities.