Arunachal Pradesh is swiftly emerging as a key contributor to India’s growth trajectory - an evolving frontier where sustainable development, strategic infrastructure, and people-centric governance are coming together to redefine progress. This vision was powerfully articulated by the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Chowna Mein, during his address at the Sudarshan Conclave in New Delhi. Presenting a comprehensive picture of the state’s transformational journey, DCM Mein highlighted how Arunachal Pradesh is not only unlocking its vast potential but also aligning itself with the national goal of a developed India by 2047.

Mega Hydropower Push: Powering the Nation

Endowed with nearly 40% of the country’s total hydropower potential—estimated at an impressive 58,000 MW—Arunachal Pradesh has become the fulcrum of India’s hydro-electric ambitions. In a decisive move to capitalize on this potential, thirteen mega hydropower projects are being revived through MoUs signed with Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) in 2020. These projects, with a combined capacity of 12,723 MW, represent an investment of ₹1.35 lakh crore, signaling a massive leap forward in energy infrastructure.

Simultaneously, the Ministry of Power is evaluating 29 more projects with a cumulative capacity of 32,415 MW, reaffirming the Centre’s focus on Arunachal as a hydropower hub. The government has declared 2025 to 2035 as the Decade of Hydro Power, a significant declaration that reflects both urgency and long-term planning. In alignment with this, Arunachal Pradesh is actively contributing to the Energy Vision 2047 and the formulation of an actionable sustainability roadmap for the decades ahead.

Empowering Communities Through Small Hydro Projects

Beyond mega infrastructure, the state is equally committed to decentralized development. Small hydropower projects are being deployed to serve remote villages, create employment, and catalyze grassroots growth. A total of 154 hydropower projects have been allotted to Independent Power Producers and CPSUs, with 35 of these—having a total capacity of 570.75 MW—currently under commissioning. With an investment of ₹6,849 crore, these projects are poised to generate nearly 7,500 jobs.

Already, five projects totaling 1,146.50 MW have been commissioned and are delivering clean energy to local communities. A new policy framework has been introduced to revive defunct or underperforming small hydropower plants. The policy also paves the way for Public-Private Partnerships in managing operations and maintenance. In a promising development, the first project exceeding 100 MW is expected to receive approval under the Restoration Policy by May 2025.

Economic Acceleration Through Infrastructure

The economic trajectory of Arunachal Pradesh over the past decade speaks volumes. The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has witnessed an extraordinary rise, growing by 166%—from ₹17,984 crore in 2014-15 to ₹47,823 crore in 2024-25. This surge is not incidental but the result of strategic infrastructure investments that have bridged physical and economic gaps.

Road connectivity has expanded significantly, with overall road length increasing by 64%, while the National Highway network has grown by 143%. Air connectivity has improved manifold with the operationalization of the Donyi Polo Airport, which boasts night-landing capabilities. The state now has four airports, seven Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs), and 25 helipads, making mobility easier not just for civilians but also for strategic operations and emergency response.

Human Development Wins: Health, Education & Equity

At the heart of Arunachal’s progress lies a deep commitment to human development. The state has successfully brought down the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) from 22.9 in 2015 to 12.9 in 2024—a clear marker of improvements in maternal and child healthcare. Equally commendable is the achievement of 100% enrolment in schools from Classes 1 to 8, ensuring that every child has access to foundational education.

Arunachal has also become the first state in Northeast India to achieve complete household tap water coverage under the 'Har Ghar Jal' initiative, a milestone that has transformed daily life in thousands of remote villages. In a further demonstration of policy efficiency, the state has achieved 100% coverage under eleven major national flagship schemes, including PMAY and Ayushman Bharat, ensuring that the benefits of development reach every citizen.

Digital Arunachal: Innovation in Governance

The digital revolution in Arunachal Pradesh is redefining governance. Declaring this the ‘Year of e-Governance’, the state has launched 22 digital services that span sectors from administration to healthcare. Innovations like the e-Cabinet and the Chief Minister’s Dashboard are enhancing decision-making, while Aadhaar-linked Direct Benefit Transfers are streamlining welfare distribution.

Drone technology is being used to deliver essential medicines to remote villages, a game-changing innovation in healthcare delivery. Citizens are also actively participating in governance through Jan Bhagidari Budget Portals, which invite public suggestions during budget formulation. With 100% e-office adoption across government departments and the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board conducting fully digital recruitment exams, transparency and efficiency are becoming the new norm.

Vision 2025–2035: Empowerment and Inclusivity

Looking toward the future, the state has laid out a robust developmental roadmap under Vision 2025–2035. Central to this vision is the Mission Shikshit Arunachal 2029, backed by a budget of ₹3,000 crore, which aims for complete rollout of the National Education Policy (NEP) across the state. Parallelly, Seva Aapke Dwar 3.0 is set to expand doorstep delivery of public services, ensuring that no citizen is left behind.

Women’s empowerment has received a significant boost through the establishment of a Women Entrepreneur Cell in partnership with NITI Aayog, designed to support and mentor aspiring women business leaders. The state is also reimagining traditional knowledge systems by launching the Indigenous Gurukul Model—an effort to harmonize ancient wisdom with contemporary education.

Strategic Development: Balancing Growth with Sustainability

Arunachal Pradesh’s growth strategy is rooted in sustainability, innovation, and strategic foresight. The establishment of cold chain facilities near airports is set to give a major boost to the state’s agri-export potential. To cultivate future-ready talent, the state has initiated the College of Science & Skill Development, nurturing innovators and skilled professionals alike.

To ensure timely execution of projects, the government has launched an Infrastructure Monitoring Portal that allows real-time tracking and coordination. In alignment with national priorities, the state is also contributing to the Renewable Energy Vision 2047 and reinforcing its commitment to the Decade of Hydropower by integrating ecological balance with development.

Arunachal: A State on the Rise

Arunachal Pradesh is scripting a compelling story of transformation—one that balances economic ambition with social responsibility, infrastructure development with ecological consciousness, and traditional values with modern innovation. As India charts its path toward becoming a developed nation by 2047, Arunachal stands tall as a beacon of inclusive, strategic, and sustainable progress. It is not just powering itself—it is powering the nation.