Itanagar, Sep 22 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially inaugurated and laid the groundwork for a series of development initiatives valued at Rs 5,127 crore in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, on Monday. He described this as a remarkable demonstration of the dual benefits offered by the double-engine BJP government.

Upon his arrival in Itanagar, he initiated two significant hydropower projects: the Heo Hydro Electric Project (240 MW) and the Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (186 MW), which are set to be established in the Siyom sub-basin of Arunachal Pradesh.

During an event held at the Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar, PM Modi laid the foundation for 13 infrastructure projects, with the two major hydro projects boasting a total generation capacity of 426 MW, to be developed by the state-owned North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO).

Speaking to a large crowd, PM Modi remarked, "Seeing so many people along the route, with children and citizens waving the Tricolour, fills me with immense pride. The warm reception was so heartening that it caused my delay in reaching here. Arunachal is not just the land of the rising sun but also a bastion of patriotism."

He continued, "Just as the first color of the Tricolour is saffron, so too is the predominant hue of Arunachal. Every individual here embodies bravery and simplicity."

The Prime Minister expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Arunachal for their overwhelming affection.

"From the Tawang Monastery to Namsai's Golden Pagoda, Arunachal represents a fusion of peace and culture, a pride of Maa Bharti. I pay my respects to this sacred land," he stated.

Labeling his visit to Arunachal as special, PM Modi added, "On the inaugural day of Navratri, I was graced with such stunning mountains. Today, we honor Maa Shailputri, daughter of Parvat Raj Himalaya. Moreover, transformative GST reforms have been rolled out nationwide today, and the GST Bachat Utsav has commenced. During this festive period, the public is receiving this double boon."

"In addition, numerous development initiatives are being launched in Arunachal. Today, the state boasts a variety of projects spanning sectors such as power, health, and tourism. This exemplifies the dual benefits of the double-engine BJP government," he remarked, congratulating the residents on these project inaugurations.

Prior to his address, PM Modi interacted with small and medium-sized traders. "I had the opportunity to explore their shops and witnessed their enthusiasm, as well as that of the local populace, in large numbers," he said.

Critiquing the Congress party, the Prime Minister asserted that the entire Northeast has suffered considerably, but the Modi administration has ensured progress for its people.

"The Northeast lagged significantly in development. When you entrusted me with the responsibility to serve the nation in 2014, I pledged to liberate the nation from the Congress mindset. Our motivation is not electoral gains or seat counts in any state, but rather the spirit of nation-building. Our guiding principle is 'Nagrik Devo Bhavah', and those previously overlooked are now respected under Modi," he declared.

"We perceive all eight Northeastern states as manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi, and thus, we cannot allow this region to fall behind in development. The Central government is allocating substantial resources to foster growth here," he concluded.