New Delhi: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Arunachal Pradesh and laid the foundation stone of two major hydro power projects of NEEPCO (North Eastern Electric Power Corporation) in Itanagar on Monday. The projects include the Heo Hydro Electric Project (240 MW) and the Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (186 MW) of NEEPCO, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC Limited. These projects having estimated cost of over Rs 3,700 Crore, are being developed by NEEPCO in joint venture with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
In his inaugural address, PM emphasised that India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047 depends on every state contributing to national progress, with the Northeast playing a key role. Highlighting the power sector, he noted India’s goal of producing 500 GW from renewable sources by 2030, where Arunachal Pradesh is actively contributing. He announced that the two new power projects in the state, which will boost Arunachal’s status as a power producer, create employment opportunities and ensure affordable electricity for development.
According to an official statement, the Heo Hydro Electric Project (3x80 MW), located in the Siyom sub-basin of Shi Yomi district, will generate about 1000 MUs annually. While, the Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (3x62 MW) will generate about 803 MUs annually.
Both projects are expected to harness the vast hydroelectric potential of Arunachal Pradesh and promote sustainable energy generation, thereby bringing substantial socio-economic benefits in the region. By fostering new employment opportunities, these initiatives are poised to propel the state along a path of growth and progress, fueling development and building a brighter future for its citizens.
Together, the Heo and Tato-I projects will significantly contribute to India’s clean energy targets, while also transforming the energy and development landscape of Arunachal Pradesh thereby improving the power sector across the country with the aim to create Viksit Bhart by 2047.
Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd); Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu; Union Minister Kiren Rijiju were present among other dignitaries at the event.
NEEPCO has been the backbone of power generation in India’s Northeast Region since its inception in 1976. With a vision to harness the region’s immense hydro potential, NEEPCO has evolved into a Mini Ratna Category-I Public Sector Enterprise. Since 2020, NEEPCO is a subsidiary of NTPC Limited and boasts an installed capacity of 2,057 MW, generated through a diversified portfolio of hydro, gas based and solar projects.
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