Itanagar, Sep 21 (NationPress) - Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Arunachal Pradesh on Monday to initiate 13 significant development projects, which include two prominent hydro power initiatives valued at over Rs 5,127 crore in Itanagar. During this visit, he will also engage with the public at a large gathering at Indira Gandhi Park, as reported by officials on Sunday.

A senior official revealed that the Prime Minister will virtually commence the foundation laying for two major hydro power projects, collectively expected to generate 426 MW. Both projects will be executed by the state-owned North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO).

The projects, namely the Heo Hydro Electric Project (240 MW) and the Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (186 MW), are developed by NEEPCO, which operates as a subsidiary of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited.

According to the official, these hydroelectric projects, estimated to cost over Rs 3,700 crore, are being developed by NEEPCO in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh government.

The Heo Hydro Electric Project (3x80 MW), located in the Siyom sub-basin of Shi Yomi district, is projected to generate approximately 1000 MUs annually, while the Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (3x62 MW) is expected to yield around 803 MUs each year.

Both projects are anticipated to tap into the extensive hydroelectric potential of Arunachal Pradesh and foster sustainable energy solutions, leading to significant socio-economic advancements in the area, according to the official.

By creating new job opportunities, these projects are expected to drive the state towards growth and progress, ultimately paving the way for a brighter future for its residents.

Collectively, the Heo and Tato-I projects will play a vital role in achieving India’s clean energy goals and will reshape the energy and development landscape of Arunachal Pradesh, enhancing the power sector across the nation, all with the vision of creating a ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’, the official emphasized.

Since its establishment in 1976, North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) has been a cornerstone of energy production in India’s Northeast region. As a Mini Ratna Category-I Public Sector Enterprise, NEEPCO aims to exploit the region’s vast hydro potential.

Since 2020, NEEPCO has been a subsidiary of NTPC Limited and currently has an installed capacity of 2,057 MW from a diverse array of hydro, gas, and solar projects. NTPC Limited stands as India’s largest integrated power utility, meeting one-fourth of the country's energy needs with an installed capacity of 83 GW, and an additional 30.90 GW under construction, which includes 13.3 GW devoted to renewable energy.

The company is committed to achieving 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032, reinforcing India’s goals for a Net Zero future, as stated by the official.