Himanta says Arunachal's economy may surpass Assam as 30,000 MW power mission gains pace
- Jul 15, 2026,
- Updated Jul 15, 2026, 2:37 PM IST
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on July 15 said Arunachal Pradesh is poised for a major economic transformation through its ambitious hydropower programme and could surpass Assam's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) within the next decade.
Making an intervention during the Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly, Sarma said Assam has traditionally been regarded as the most developed state in the Northeast by effectively utilising its resources. However, he noted that Arunachal Pradesh is now emerging as a major economic powerhouse.
"Till now, Assam was regarded as the most developed state in the Northeast because we utilised our resources and developed the state. But today, the people and the government of Arunachal Pradesh have taken a decision to generate 30,000 MW of electricity, and work on nearly 10,000 MW has already begun," Sarma said.
He said the ambitious hydropower programme has progressed without major protests or disruptions, allowing the state to move ahead rapidly with infrastructure development.
"If all the proposed hydropower projects are completed over the next 10 years, Arunachal Pradesh's GDP will be twice that of Assam," the chief minister asserted.
Sarma also said the large-scale hydropower initiative would strengthen India's strategic interests along the border with China while accelerating economic development in the frontier state.
"Arunachal is advancing towards producing 30,000 MW of electricity, which is a significant strategic achievement for the country. Several villages have already been rehabilitated, and people are voluntarily relocating for the state's development," he said.
The chief minister expressed confidence that the hydropower projects would transform Arunachal Pradesh into one of the most economically vibrant states in the Northeast.
"With these developments, Arunachal Pradesh will become one of the most promising states in the Northeast over the next decade," Sarma added.