Smallest state best in infrastructure and governance: Arunachal Pradesh

India has in recent years stepped up work in Arunachal Pradesh, from accelerating its infrastructure development projects to building new roads and bridges that promise all-weather connectivity. Under a massive plan, around 20 bridges, several tunnels, airports and several major roads are being developed in strategically important areas.

Although it aims to counter an aggressive China, the border state has benefited immensely from central pressure. With 210.5 km of road available for every 1,000 vehicles, Arunachal Pradesh boasts the highest ratio of road length to vehicular length among all states in the country. The state has also promised better sources of drinking water to every household. With Rs 3.43 crore, the state ranks second among smaller states in India in terms of allocation of funds per 100,000 people under AMRUT.

In terms of governance, the Arunachal government is working hard for the development of digital infrastructure. Chief Minister Pema Khandu has launched a centrally funded Statewide Area Network (SWAN), which will provide secure digital connectivity to all district headquarters and local administrative centers across the state. Arunachal Swan (ARSWAN) aims to establish 184 Swan Points of Presence in the state.

With the recent launch of the e-Cabinet portal, the State Cabinet meetings have also become paperless. In March last year, the state legislature joined the list of paperless assemblies of India with the implementation of e-Vidhan, a project under the Digital India programme.