Projects worth Rs40b for Arunachal
NEW AIRPORT, TUNNEL TO HELP PEOPLE IN SENSITIVE BORDER REGION, MODI SAYS AT LAUNCH
Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday inaugurated and laid a foundation stone forprojects in Arunachal Pradesh worth over Rs40 billion (Dh2 billion), saying his government was giving a lot of importance to improving connectivity in the sensitive border state.
Addressing at function at the IG Park in Itanagar, he said his government was prioritising the improvement of 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 Rs40 billion,” he said.
‘See the difference’
The prime minister said work was going on for projects worth Rs130 billion in the state and alleged that the previous regime neglected the northeast region.
“Compare us with the previous government and see the difference,” he told the audience.
Modi added that his government has allocated Rs440 billion for the region which is double the amount the previous UPA government did.
The previous governments did not care about youths and border security, he said.
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 Rs1.25 billion through remote control at a function at IG Park.
The Tezu airport will connect Guwahati, Jorhat and Hollongi. Fruit and flowers of the region can reach any market of the country in a few hours, he said.
Terming tourism as a money spinner for the state, the prime minister said that with the coming up of the greenfield airport and rail network, the industry would flourish and many unemployed youth would get employment opportunities.
The prime minister laid the foundation stone of Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh. It will provide all-weather connectivity to the Tawang Valley for civilians as well as security forces. The tunnel will reduce travel time to Tawang by an hour and boost tourism and related economic activities in the region.
He also inaugurated a new Doordarshan 24-hours channel for Arunachal Pradesh, among other projects.