Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that the Arunachal Frontier Highway, a major infrastructure project connecting 12 districts along the India-China border, will be a "game changer" for the region. Speaking at the 39th Statehood Day celebrations in Itanagar, he revealed that nearly ₹42,000 crore has been allocated for the project, marking the highest investment by the central government in a single initiative. Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K T Parnaik also addressed the gathering, highlighting the state's ongoing development and the government's commitment to improving infrastructure. Arunachal Pradesh, which became a full-fledged state on February 20, 1987, was previously known as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) and gained Union Territory status in 1972.

The Arunachal Frontier Highway (AFH), officially designated as National Highway NH-913 and also called the Bomdila-Vijaynagar Highway (BVH), will stretch approximately 1,400 km. Starting from Bomdila, it will pass through key locations such as Nafra, Huri, and Monigong before ending at Vijaynagar, near the India-Myanmar border. The project will also connect significant regions like Tawang, Mago, Upper Subansiri, Upper Siang, Mechuka, Tuting, Dibang Valley, Kibithoo, Changlang, and Dong. According to officials, the plan includes an 800-km greenfield section and a network of tunnels and bridges along the India-China border.

However, Rijiju expressed concerns over possible hurdles related to land compensation issues. He urged residents not to inflate compensation claims or create obstructions, warning that such disputes could delay the project. He cited the East-West Corridor, also known as the Industrial Corridor, which has been facing setbacks due to compensation claims and forest clearance challenges.

Rijiju credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for improving project approvals since 2014, stating that before Modi’s tenure, it was difficult to secure large-scale funding. He emphasized that Arunachal Pradesh is a resource-rich state but stressed that development can only thrive in a peaceful environment.

During the celebrations at IG Park, Governor Parnaik acknowledged Arunachal’s progress but also pointed out ongoing challenges, particularly in education. He urged efforts to reduce school dropout rates so the state can eventually produce its own professionals, such as teachers, engineers, and doctors, reducing dependency on other states. Parnaik also emphasized cleanliness and environmental management, calling for mission-driven efforts to maintain hygiene and manage waste. He suggested that illegal structures and unregulated construction should be addressed, and technological solutions should be explored to convert waste into energy and useful products. The governor encouraged community participation in keeping highways and roads well-maintained to enhance travel experiences.

Addressing the growing drug problem in the state, Parnaik proposed a two-pronged approach focusing on prevention and rehabilitation, as drug addiction is weakening the social fabric. He recommended using satellite imagery to monitor illicit cultivation and urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to report cases of addiction.Chief Minister Pema Khandu also spoke at the event, clarifying the intent behind the newly framed rules under the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA) 1978. He stated that the regulations were not meant to target any religious community but were designed to protect the indigenous culture and beliefs of the people. He explained that while the Act had existed for 46 years, it lacked formal rules, which are now being implemented based on a directive from the High Court.Khandu highlighted the state's economic progress, announcing that Arunachal Pradesh is projected to generate ₹10,000 crore annually from free power and equity shares in power projects over the next decade. He credited the Modi government for approving a 26% equity share in all power projects, a move that will significantly boost the state's revenue.

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