
Prime Minister Modi embarked on a visit to Arunachal Pradesh, where he inaugurated the Sela Tunnel in Itanagar and launched the UNNATI scheme, valued at Rs 10,000 crore. Addressing a massive gathering, he expressed his delight in witnessing such a large crowd, emphasizing the significance of the Northeast’s development. The Prime Minister also unveiled various development projects across multiple states during the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit North East’ program, spanning sectors such as housing, education, infrastructure, and healthcare.
“Our vision is that of ‘Ashta Lakshmi’ for the development of the Northeast. Our Northeast is becoming a strong link for trade and tourism with South Asia and East Asia,” PM Modi remarked, underlining the region’s growing importance in regional connectivity and economic development.
UNNATI Scheme:
The UNNATI scheme, or Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme, aims to bolster the industrial ecosystem in the North East with a budget of Rs 10,000 crore. Designed to cover all eight northeastern states, the scheme seeks to facilitate the establishment of new manufacturing and service units, thereby enhancing employment opportunities. Additionally, it offers incentives for interest subvention, capital investment, and manufacturing and services linked to approved units.
Sela Tunnel Project:
The Sela Tunnel, constructed by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) using new Austrian Tunnelling methods, stands as the world’s longest twin-lane tunnel, costing Rs 825 crore. Nestled at a height of 13,000 feet, the tunnel ensures all-weather connectivity to Tawang, traversing the Sela pass on the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang Road. Its strategic importance lies in providing a faster and more efficient transport route in the region.
Other Development Projects:
PM Modi also dedicated and laid the foundation stone for numerous development projects in Arunachal Pradesh, totaling over Rs 41,000 crore. These include the Dibang Multipurpose Hydropower Project in Lower Dibang Valley district, slated to become the highest dam structure in the country. Additionally, various infrastructure initiatives such as road connectivity, environmental conservation, and tourism development under the ‘Vibrant Village Programme’ were initiated. Moreover, PM Modi oversaw the upgradation of schools into 50 Golden Jubilee Schools equipped with modern infrastructure facilities.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister facilitated the handover of more than 35,000 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, valued at Rs 450 crores, and dedicated 1100 projects of Jal Jeevan Mission and 170 telecom towers under the Universal Service Obligation Fund, benefiting over 300 villages.