PM Modi  Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a virtual address during the Sikkim@50 celebrations held at Gangtok’s Palzor Stadium, underscored the remarkable transformation of Sikkim, attributing it largely to enhanced connectivity and sustained infrastructure development over the past decade.

Speaking via videoconference from Badgogara, West Bengal, after cancelling his planned visit to Gangtok, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several major development initiatives in the state.

PM Modi reminisced about a time when travel for education, healthcare, and employment posed major challenges in Sikkim. However, he noted that the scenario has drastically improved. “In Sikkim alone, around 400 kilometres of new national highways have been constructed. In rural regions, over 100 kilometres of new roads have been built,” he said. Highlighting the Atal Setu’s role in strengthening connectivity with Darjeeling, he stated that the bridge has significantly enhanced regional linkages.

He also announced that work is progressing rapidly on the road linking Sikkim with Kalimpong. Further, the ongoing construction of the Bagdogra-Gangtok Motorway is expected to greatly ease travel to and from Sikkim. Plans are underway to connect this motorway to the Gorakhpur-Siliguri Motorway, further reinforcing the region’s infrastructure.

As part of the central government’s broader push to integrate the Northeastern states, PM Modi emphasised efforts to link all regional capitals to the national railway network. He cited the Sevoke-Rangpo rail line as a key project to bring Sikkim into this network. For areas where building roads is not feasible, he said, ropeways are being developed as an alternative solution.

The Prime Minister also called on the global community to view Sikkim not just as a hill station, but as a world-class tourism destination. “Sikkim is a complete tourism package with immense potential for adventure and sports tourism,” he said. Applauding the state’s sporting legacy, PM Modi hailed icons like Baichung Bhutia, Olympian Tarundeep Rai, and Jaslal Pradhan, saying that Sikkim’s youth will play a key role in India’s emergence as a global sporting power.

Reflecting on the government’s approach to the Northeast over the last ten years, he said: “Our government has placed the Northeast at the centre of the development agenda. We are operating on an ‘Act Fast’ model, rooted in our strong commitment to the ‘Act East’ policy.”

Among the major projects unveiled were:

• A 500-bed District Hospital in Namchi, with an investment of over ₹750 crore
• A Passenger Ropeway at Sangachoeling in Pelling, Gyalshing District
• A statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the newly developed Atal Amrit Udyan in Sangkhola, Gangtok District

To commemorate 50 years of Sikkim’s statehood, the Prime Minister also released a commemorative coin, souvenir coin, and postage stamp, marking a significant milestone in the state’s journey.