GUWAHATI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to work for inclusive development in the Northeast while taking a dig at the previous dispensations by saying that the governments in the past had neglected the potential of the region.
Addressing a rally in Itanagar on Saturday morning, Modi said the central government has taken up a number of projects keeping in mind the potential and strategic importance of Arunachal Pradesh.
“This is the first time where you have witnessed that a foundation for the construction of a greenfield airport (at Hollongi) has been laid while another (retrofitted airport at Tezu) has been inaugurated. Both the facilities will facilitate better connectivity with other parts of the country and will also promote tourism, create jobs for youths and contribute to the state’s economy,” the Prime Minister said.
“The Tezu airport was built 50 years ago but the previous governments did not pay attention to the fact that the facility if developed would improve connectivity to the hill state
Modi who is on a two-day visit to the Northeast during which he will unveil several projects and address gatherings in Changsari near Guwahati and Agartala as well, had an overnight halt at Raj Bhavan here after arriving in the city on Friday evening.
“After Independence, Arunachal did not have one airport facilitating regular fligh services to the state from other parts of the country. People had to fly to Guwahati and come to Itanagar by road or helicopter during an emergency,” he said.\
Currently, the nearest airport to Itanagar is at Lilabari in Assam, about 80 km away. The airport at Hollongi will reduce the distance considerably and will have various features such as green belt along the approach road to act as a noise barrier, rain water harvesting and energy efficient equipment.
The Prime Minister also talked about linking Tawang, a tourist hotspot, by rail. “Itanagar now is connected to Delhi by rail and we are surveying seven other locations in Arunachal to link them with similar rail connectivity. Surveys in three locations have so far been completed,” Modi informed.
Modi also laid the foundation stone of Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh which will provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang Valley for civilians as well as security forces throughout the year and will reduce travel time to Tawang by an hour.
The Prime Minister will also dedicated the 110MW Pare Hydroelectric Plant in Arunachal Pradesh to the nation and launched DD ArunPrabha, a dedicated Doordarshan channel for the state, from the IG Park.
He also declared 100 per cent household electrification in Arunachal Pradesh under Saubhagya Scheme