Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Gangtok today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood as part of the “Sikkim@50: Where Progress Meets Purpose and Nature Nurtures Growth” programme. The event, which is part of the state’s golden jubilee year celebrations under the theme “Sunaulo, Samriddha, and Samarth Sikkim,” underscores Sikkim’s cultural richness and sustainable development journey.
PM Modi is expected to arrive at around 11 AM and will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for several key infrastructure and development projects aimed at enhancing healthcare, tourism, and connectivity in the state. Among the major initiatives are:
- A 500-bed district hospital in Namchi worth over ₹750 crore
- A passenger ropeway at Sangachoeling in Pelling, Gyalshing district
- A statue of former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Atal Amrit Udyan in Gangtok
To commemorate the occasion, the Prime Minister will also release a special coin, a souvenir coin, and a postal stamp.
Excitement is high among residents, who gathered in large numbers to welcome the Prime Minister. Locals expressed pride in the visit and highlighted their participation in various government initiatives. Sonam Bhutia called it a “big achievement” for the state, while Tikha Khannal, a Lakhpati Didi, said comprehensive arrangements had been made for the visit, including favorable weather.
Dibash Rutung, dressed in traditional Gurung attire, shared his enthusiasm: “We want to showcase our culture to the Prime Minister… We are thrilled.”
Sikkim BJP President DR Thapa emphasized that the visit symbolizes new opportunities and development for the state. “He will inaugurate many infrastructural projects across Sikkim and lay foundations for several upcoming initiatives,” Thapa said.
Following the Sikkim visit, the Prime Minister’s itinerary includes stops in West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh on May 29 and 30, where he will launch and lay foundation stones for projects worth over ₹70,000 crore, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
