Gangtok
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple development projects worth around ₹4,000 crore in Sikkim, highlighting the strategic importance of the Northeast region.
Addressing a public gathering, he described the region as India’s Ashtalakshmi and emphasised the government’s accelerated development approach.
Speaking at Paljor Stadium, the Prime Minister said the Centre has moved beyond its earlier Act East policy to adopt an Act Fast strategy for the Northeast. He stated that projects spanning healthcare, infrastructure, and education sectors have been initiated to boost growth and improve quality of life in the region.
Highlighting the natural wealth of Sikkim, Modi noted the state’s rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. He pointed out that the region is home to over 500 species of birds and around 700 species of butterflies, along with extensive forest cover, making it a major attraction for tourists. According to him, enhanced connectivity will play a crucial role in unlocking the state’s full tourism potential.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of infrastructure development, particularly in transport. He said the Sevok-Rangpo railway line is progressing rapidly and will bring rail connectivity to Sikkim for the first time. Additionally, a proposed expressway connecting Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok is expected to significantly cut travel time and boost tourist inflow.
Modi also took aim at previous Indian National Congress governments, alleging that they had neglected the development needs of Sikkim and the broader Northeast. He asserted that development activities have gained momentum since the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power at the Centre.
To further strengthen the local economy, the Prime Minister announced the development of 1,000 homestays aimed at promoting tourism and generating employment opportunities. He also praised the youth of Sikkim for their achievements in sports and reiterated the government’s commitment to nurturing talent through initiatives like the Khelo India programme. In the healthcare sector, several new programmes were launched as part of the development package. Modi claimed that healthcare infrastructure in the state had remained underdeveloped in the past but is now receiving focused attention. He concluded by reiterating the Centre’s commitment to inclusive and rapid development in Sikkim and the entire Northeast region.
