Arunachal Pradesh seeks Centre’s support for key infrastructure at pre-budget meet

Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on January 10, urged the Centre to support the state’s key infrastructure priorities while highlighting its strong record of fiscal discipline during the pre-budget consultation for the Union Budget 2026–27, chaired by Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The high-level meeting was attended by governors, chief ministers, deputy chief ministers and finance ministers of states and Union Territories, along with senior officials of the Ministry of Finance, to discuss priorities, fiscal challenges and policy inputs for framing the forthcoming Union Budget, an official statement said.
Addressing the consultation, Mein said that despite Arunachal Pradesh’s remoteness and long-standing developmental challenges, the state has made steady progress in recent years and continues to adhere to strict fiscal discipline in line with the Arunachal Pradesh Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2006.
He said the state has been meeting all its committed liabilities on time.
Placing the state’s requirements before the Centre, the deputy chief minister highlighted priority infrastructure projects, including the augmentation of water supply and drainage systems in Itanagar and other urban areas.
Mein also stressed the importance of the strategic Rupai–Wakro–Parashuram Kund railway line, stating that the project would significantly improve connectivity, strengthen border infrastructure and promote religious tourism in the state. He added that the railway project has already received clearance from the Ministry of Defence.
The deputy chief minister further pointed to Arunachal Pradesh’s limited access to externally aided projects and underscored the need for continued support from the Centre to bridge resource gaps and sustain the current development momentum.
Reiterating the state government’s approach, Mein said Arunachal Pradesh remains committed to fiscal prudence and close coordination with the Centre to accelerate inclusive and sustainable development across the state.