Itanagar, Sep 22 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lay the foundation stones for 13 significant development initiatives valued at over Rs 5,127 crore in the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar. He will also host a grand public meeting at Indira Gandhi Park today, as confirmed by officials.

According to a senior official, the 13 infrastructure projects encompass two substantial hydropower ventures with a combined generation capacity of 426 MW. Both of these projects are being developed by the state-owned North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO).

The estimated cost for these hydropower projects exceeds Rs 3,700 crore and is being executed in conjunction with the Arunachal Pradesh government.

After visiting Mizoram, Manipur, and Assam on September 13-14, the Prime Minister is now heading to Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura today. In anticipation of his visit, security measures have been intensified throughout Itanagar and its surroundings.

On his official X account, PM Modi stated on Sunday night: "September 22 is a crucial day for the Northeast's development. During a program in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, I will launch key initiatives related to energy, connectivity, healthcare, and more. We will lay the foundation stone for two major hydropower projects. Later, in Udaipur, Tripura, I will inaugurate development works at the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple Complex."

The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, expressed on X: "Arunachal has never experienced such consistent attention from a Prime Minister, showcasing genuine concern for the aspirations and progress of our people. I eagerly await the arrival of Hon'ble PM Modi Ji as he inaugurates and lays the foundation for key projects, witnessing the transformative effects these initiatives will bring to every part of Arunachal."

The Prime Minister will also virtually lay the foundation for the 186-MW Tato-I hydroelectric project and the 240-MW Heo hydroelectric project on the Yarjep River in Shi Yomi district.

The combined cost for these two hydroelectric projects is Rs 3,689 crore (Rs 1,750 crore and Rs 1,939 crore), with an annual generation capacity of 1803 million units. Following the commissioning of these power plants, the state will receive free power estimated at over Rs 98 crore, along with a Local Area Development Fund exceeding Rs 16 crore annually for community development, as noted by the official.

Additionally, PM Modi will virtually inaugurate a cutting-edge integrated convention center in Tawang, which will be constructed at a cost of Rs 147 crore. This center will facilitate meetings, conferences, and exhibitions, while also creating livelihood opportunities in tourism, services, and handicrafts.

The Prime Minister has approved 10 infrastructure projects totaling Rs 1,291 crore. Among these projects are the ambitious 1,830-km Frontier Highway project and the second phase of the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP).

The proposed Frontier Highway is designed to run parallel to the McMahon Line, stretching from Bomdila in the West Kameng district to Vijaynagar in Changlang district. This highway is expected to enhance national security and significantly improve border connectivity.

Upon completion of the second phase of the VVP, 122 border villages will gain access to all-weather roads, a 4G telecom network, and on-grid electrification. Of these villages, 67 are situated along the India-Myanmar border, while 55 are along the India-Bhutan border in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has allocated Rs 2,205 crore for the VVP, aimed at fostering comprehensive development in villages adjacent to international land borders (ILBs), excluding the Northern border already covered under VVP-I.

With a total budget of Rs 6,839 crore, the program will be executed in select strategic villages across various states/UTs, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal by the fiscal year 2028-29. The program's objective is to enhance living conditions and provide sufficient livelihood opportunities to ensure prosperous and secure borders, combat trans-border crime, and integrate the border population into the nation, thereby making them the "eyes and ears of the border guarding forces," which is critical for internal security.

After his engagements in Itanagar, the Prime Minister will proceed to Tripura today.