The Arunachal Pradesh capital is witnessing elaborate preparations ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Itanagar on September 22, where he is scheduled to unveil a series of transformative infrastructure and development projects. Officials on Tuesday confirmed that security has been intensified across the city and arrangements are being closely coordinated to ensure the success of the high-profile visit. A key highlight of the visit will be the laying of the foundation stone for the 1,830-km-long Frontier Highway project, a project of strategic and developmental significance. The ambitious highway will stretch from Bomdila in West Kameng district to Vijaynagar in Changlang district, running almost parallel to the sensitive McMahon Line.
Officials noted that once completed, the highway will serve dual purposes—enhancing national security along India’s northeastern frontier and boosting border connectivity for remote communities. The project is expected to improve accessibility to difficult terrain, enable faster movement of goods and people, and strengthen India’s defence preparedness in the border state. During the visit, the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stones for two major hydroelectric projects in Arunachal Pradesh. These include the 186-megawatt Tato-I hydroelectric project and the 240-megawatt Heo hydroelectric project on the Yarjep River. Together, the projects are aimed at increasing the state’s renewable energy capacity and supporting the region’s long-term economic growth. Hydropower development has long been seen as a driver of Arunachal Pradesh’s economy. The new projects, once completed, will not only contribute significantly to the state’s power generation but will also create employment opportunities and boost allied sectors.
Another major announcement expected during the visit is the launch of the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) from Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar. Under this phase, 122 border villages will be provided with all-weather roads, 4G telecom connectivity, television services, and reliable power supply through on-grid electrification. Out of these villages, 67 are situated along the India-Myanmar border, while 55 are located along the India-Bhutan border. The initiative seeks to improve the quality of life in remote frontier settlements and ensure that residents have access to essential services. The Ministry of Home Affairs has already sanctioned ₹2,205 crore for the programme. Officials say that the VVP is more than just an infrastructure scheme—it is also aimed at strengthening India’s border communities by improving livelihoods, education, and opportunities, thereby discouraging migration from sensitive border areas.
