Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 12 years in office and described the period as one of transformative governance, strong leadership and unprecedented development that has significantly changed the growth trajectory of Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast.In a letter addressed to the prime minister, Khandu acknowledged the continued support and guidance provided by the Government of India towards the development of the state. He said the past 12 years had witnessed major improvements in infrastructure, connectivity and economic opportunities across Arunachal Pradesh.Congratulating Modi on completing 12 years in continuous service as the country’s elected head of government, Khandu said the prime minister’s tenure had been marked by bold reforms, citizen-focused governance and a commitment to improving the quality of life of people across India.
The chief minister said Arunachal Pradesh had undergone a remarkable transformation since 2014. According to him, the state has moved from a period of developmental isolation and limited connectivity to becoming an important contributor to India’s growth and strategic vision.Highlighting the expansion of road infrastructure, Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh had less than 1,000 kilometres of national highways before 2014. Today, the state has more than 4,060 kilometres of national highways, while nearly 14,000 kilometres of roads and numerous bridges are currently under construction.He said several landmark infrastructure projects launched during the period have improved connectivity across the state. These include the Trans-Arunachal Highway, the Frontier Highway, the Sela Tunnel and the Nechiphu Tunnel. According to Khandu, these projects have helped ensure year-round access to remote and border areas while also strengthening national security and boosting economic integration.The chief minister also highlighted the impact of the Bogibeel Bridge, inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi in 2018. He said the bridge has substantially reduced travel time between Arunachal Pradesh and other parts of the country and improved movement of people and goods.
Referring to improvements in air connectivity, Khandu said the operationalisation of Donyi Polo Airport and the expansion of flight services from airports such as Ziro, Tezu and Pasighat have connected the state more closely with the rest of the country. He said these developments have made travel easier for residents and created new opportunities for tourism, trade and investment. Khandu also praised the prime minister’s Act East Policy, stating that it had changed the way Arunachal Pradesh is viewed in the national development framework. He said the policy recognised the state not merely as a border region but as a strategic gateway linking India with Southeast Asia.The chief minister noted that Arunachal Pradesh shares international borders with Tibet, Bhutan and Myanmar and has more than 1,080 kilometres of international boundary. He said this geographical position has made the state an important component of India’s strategic, economic and developmental vision under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. Khandu said the progress achieved over the past decade reflected the Centre’s commitment to the Northeast and expressed confidence that Arunachal Pradesh would continue to benefit from the government’s focus on infrastructure, connectivity and inclusive development in the years ahead.
