PM Modi lauds Sikkim’s growth, inaugurates key connectivity projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday underscored the importance of improved connectivity as one of the major achievements of his government over the last decade.

Speaking via videoconferencing at the Sikkim@50 celebration held at Palzor Stadium in Gangtok, PM Modi highlighted how infrastructure advancements have transformed lives in the Northeastern state.

Recalling the past, the Prime Minister said that travel for education, healthcare, and employment once posed serious challenges for the people of Sikkim. “In Sikkim alone, approximately 400 kilometres of new national highways have been constructed.

In rural areas, over 100 kilometres of new roads have been built. With the Atal Setu, connectivity between Sikkim and Darjeeling has also greatly improved,” PM Modi remarked.

Due to a change in schedule, the Prime Minister had to cancel his planned visit to Gangtok and instead joined the event from Badgogara in West Bengal, virtually laying the foundation stone and inaugurating several key projects in the state.

He stressed that improved connectivity has played a pivotal role in the region’s transformation. “The biggest reason for the transformation of Sikkim is the improvement in connectivity, a change that the people of Sikkim have witnessed firsthand,” he said.

He added that work is progressing rapidly on the road linking Sikkim to Kalimpong, while the upcoming Bagdogra-Gangtok Motorway will ease travel further. Plans are also in place to link this road to the Gorakhpur-Siliguri Motorway.

Addressing the broader infrastructure push in the Northeast, PM Modi reiterated the Centre’s goal to connect all Northeastern state capitals with the national railway network.

He emphasized the significance of the Sevoke-Rangpo rail line, which will integrate Sikkim into India’s rail map. “Where roads cannot be built, ropeways are being constructed as an alternative,” he said.

Positioning Sikkim as a rising force in tourism, the Prime Minister said, “It is time for the world to see Sikkim not just as a hill station but as a global tourism destination. Sikkim is a complete tourism package, offering immense potential for adventure and sports tourism.”

He praised the state’s youth for their contribution to sports. “India is one of the major economies of the world, and in the coming years, we are set to become a sporting superpower. The youth of Sikkim will play a vital role in realising that dream. This land has already given us legends like Baichung Bhutia, Olympian Tarundeep Rai, and Jaslal Pradhan,” the PM said.

Referring to the broader regional focus, PM Modi said, “In the past decade, our government has brought the Northeast to the centre of the development agenda. We are working on an 'Act Fast' model, driven by our firm commitment to the 'Act East' policy.”

Among the projects inaugurated or launched were a 500-bedded district hospital in Namchi district worth over ₹750 crore, a passenger ropeway at Sangachoeling in Pelling (Gyalshing District), and a statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Atal Amrit Udyan in Gangtok district. PM Modi also released a commemorative coin, souvenir coin, and stamp to mark 50 years of Sikkim’s statehood.