Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed significant economic growth, major infrastructure push, and marked improvement in education, healthcare, and social welfare over the past decade, according to Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
Interacting with reporters in Itanagar on Friday to commemorate 10 years of his government, Khandu said the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has increased by nearly 149 per cent and the state budget by over 238 per cent. The state’s own resources have grown more than five-fold, while per capita income has more than doubled, making Arunachal one of the fastest-growing economies in the Northeast.
The chief minister highlighted the infrastructure push, stating that annual road construction increased from around 300 km in 2016 to nearly 1,800 km, while the rural road network expanded more than three-fold. Over 4,000 km of national highways are currently under construction. The Donyi Polo Airport has emerged as a major aviation hub with expanded connectivity, cargo operations, and daily Delhi flights, while more than 25 destinations are connected by helicopter services.
Khandu also mentioned that over 2,600 new 4G towers have improved digital connectivity in remote areas. Historic investments under the Frontier Highway and Vibrant Villages Programme are transforming border areas, with more than 1,000 km of roads being constructed to connect habitations. Several previously inaccessible border villages now have all-weather connectivity, strengthening development as well as national security.
On the education sector, Khandu said Mission Shikshit Arunachal 2029 has been launched to transform school education, and projects worth Rs 750 crore have been sanctioned for upgrading schools, hostels, and related infrastructure. Over 2,600 students from the state qualified NEET in 2025, while the scheme for academic excellence supports students aspiring to study at leading global universities. AI-enabled monitoring systems are also being introduced to improve learning outcomes.
The chief minister also highlighted the healthcare front, stating that a comprehensive Rs 3,666-crore expansion plan has been launched, while more than two lakh families receive cashless treatment under Chief Minister Arogya Arunachal Yojana (CMAAY) and PM-JAY. MBBS seats at TRIHMS have doubled from 50 to 100, while new medical colleges are coming up in Pasighat, Namsai, and West Kameng. A state cancer hospital and other specialised healthcare institutions are also under development.
Khandu said the next decade would focus on world-class education, universal quality healthcare, hydropower-led economic transformation, border infrastructure, youth employment, digital governance, and sustainable development, with the goal of making Arunachal one of India’s most developed, prosperous, and strategically important frontier states.
The state Cabinet on Friday unanimously passed a resolution marking the historic occasion of ‘Team Arunachal’ completing 10 years in office under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The Cabinet extended congratulations to the chief minister and reaffirmed its collective commitment to peace, dignity, prosperity, and development of the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
