"Sikkim's biggest reason for transformation is connectivity improvement": PM Modi highlights rail-road infra development in region
Bagdogra (West Bengal) [India], May 29 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said improving connectivity remains one of the main achievements of his government, which has, over the past decade, ushered in a slew of rail and road projects, including in the Northeastern state of Sikkim.
In his address delivered via videoconferencing at the Sikkim@50 event held at Gangtok's Palzor Stadium, the Prime Minister recalled a time when travel for education, healthcare, and employment was a major challenge for the region. However, he noted that the situation has changed significantly over the past decade.
'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.
PM Modi had to cancel his visit to Gangtok and instead laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects in Sikkim virtually from West Bengal's Badgogara.
PM Modi emphasised that 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 that work is progressing rapidly on the road linking Sikkim with Kalimpong, adding that the Bagdogra-Gangtok Motorway will make travel to and from Sikkim much easier. He also announced plans to connect this motorway with the Gorakhpur-Siliguri Motorway, further strengthening the region's infrastructure.
Highlighting the efforts to connect the capital cities of all Northeastern states to the railway network. PM Modi also underlined that the Sevoke-Rangpo rail line will integrate Sikkim into the national rail network. He emphasised that where roads cannot be built, ropeways are being constructed as an alternative.
'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. 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 Prime Minister 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,' he added.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects in Sikkim. Projects include a new 500-bedded District hospital worth over Rs 750 crore in Namchi district; a Passenger Ropeway at Sangachoeling, Pelling, in Gyalshing District; and a Statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji at Atal Amrit Udyan at Sangkhola in Gangtok District, among others.
Prime Minister also released the Commemorative coin, souvenir coin and stamp for 50 years of Statehood. (ANI)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
23 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Usha Vance recalls meeting with Modi, says children put him in ‘grandfather category'
United States Second Lady Usha Vance talked about her experience of visiting India and meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She shared this at the US-India Strategic Partnership forum in Washington DC. Vance recalled that meeting with PM Modi was a 'very special moment' and said that her children put him in the grandfather category. Stating that the children loved PM Modi, she said that her kids were sleep deprived, and when "they saw an Indian man with a white beard and white hair, they just put him in the grandfather category immediately.' Vance also termed her visit to India as a 'trip of lifetime,' and added that it was her children's first visit to India. She said that her kids met PM Modi in Paris and hugged him. Also PM cemented his status by giving her five year old son a birthday present. Talking about the Prime Minister, she said that he was 'very kind and generous' to the kids and that the talks between him and Vice President JD Vance were very 'productive'. Vance also noted that though her children grew up knowing so much about India's food, relationship with grandparents and friends, they never had the chance to see it. So it was 'just mind blowing from their perspective,' she added. Further, when they were at the Prime Minister's residence, her son Ewan was just taken by the entire cart of mangoes that was available for him to eat, and he announced to the Prime Minister that he thought he could maybe live there and started making his plans. Vance shared that her eldest son, Ewan, was particularly captivated by the temple sculptures, while her middle child, Vivek, was thrilled to see elephants, camels, and peacocks. Her daughter's favourite moment was a ride in an auto-rickshaw. During the visit, the children had several playful moments with PM, from exploring the lawns to seeing bird feeders at PM's residence. PM Modi also presented the three children with peacock feathers. (With ANI Inputs)
Hans India
27 minutes ago
- Hans India
Modi bowed to Trump, but Indira made Pak bow by confronting US: Jagga Reddy
Hyderabad: Telangana PCC working president T Jagga Reddy claimed here on Monday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi bowed to US President Donald Trump. This was in contrast to ex-prime minister Indira Gandhi, who made Pakistan bow by confronting the US, he said at a press conference in Gandhi Bhavan. Reddy pointed out that terrorists infiltrated from Pakistan into Kashmir and killed 26 people, yet the BJP government showed no response. 'You made mistakes; why blame Rahul Gandhi? Kishan Reddy and Sanjay must answer for their failures, otherwise, we will retaliate', he warned. According to Reddy, Rahul Gandhi, as the Opposition leader, demanded a parliamentary session and answers for people. 'Was that a crime? You compromised because of Trump, but you blame Rahul Gandhi's family? You are the ones doing politics using Pakistan, it was Modi who secretly visited the Pakistani PM's house. BJP ministers answer this. Rahul Gandhi never visited Pakistan. Modi, however, skipped Atal Bihari Vajpayee's birthday, went to Pakistan, fed cake to Nawaz Sharif, and gave clothes to his mother,' the Congress leader said. The TPCC leader wanted the BJP to apologise for spreading false propaganda against Rahul Gandhi as baseless allegations were being made against him. He claimed that the BJP government was in shock. 'Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay are attacking Rahul Gandhi. Instead of answering Rahul Gandhi's questions, Modi is criticising him. The Intelligence department must answer how terrorists entered Kashmir and killed 26 people in a park. Kishan Reddy and Sanjay must answer why has Modi still not addressed the nation? While in a state of slumber, you're criticising Rahul Gandhi and diverting politics. You made mistakes—why blame the opposition leader? You speak ignorantly despite having knowledge,' he said. Reddy said while a war seemed imminent, people believed Modi would defeat Pakistan; suddenly news broke that the war was stopped. Everyone expected a statement from Modi, but instead, Trump made the announcement. 'Rahul Gandhi said, 'Go ahead with the war, we will stand behind you'. But it was Trump who announced that he stopped the India-Pakistan war. Isn't it shameful that Trump announced the ceasefire instead of Modi? You compromised, and yet you blame our leader,' he thundered. 'As soon as Trump made that announcement, Indira Gandhi's legacy started trending on social media. People opposed Modi bowing to Trump's words. During Indira Gandhi's time, even when America tried to interfere, she boldly stated that no interference was needed,' he said. He claimed that Modi skipped Vajpayee's birthday to go to Pakistan. 'Didn't he go to Nawaz Sharif's house and touch his mother's feet? You must answer this. Is it appropriate to go to Pakistan secretly on Vajpayee's birthday? Kishan Reddy and Sanjay must answer, then talk about Rahul Gandhi. Where do you hide your face for Modi's mistakes? Indira Gandhi was compared to Goddess Durga in Parliament. Modi abrogated Article 370… then why is terrorism back? A PM who cursed Pakistan three times, yet didn't even identify the person who killed 26 people. Don't you feel ashamed, Kishan Reddy', he asked. Jagga Reddy asserted that BJP leaders in Telangana have heads but no brains, and that they are full of conspiracies and deceit.
News18
29 minutes ago
- News18
AAI Unveils Mega Incentive Plan To Restart International Flights At Port Blair
Last Updated: This new scheme will be in effect for the first three years of international flight operations, a crucial period that often determines long-term sustainability. To promote international flight connectivity, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has approved a mega incentive scheme at 13 airports which includes Veer Savarkar International Airport at Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an official said here. This scheme will be applicable for first three years of the operations to bridge the viability gap for the initial phase, which is a very crucial phase for the sustainability of operations. Speaking to PTI, Port Blair Airport Director Devender Yadav said, 'As per this scheme for the first year 100 per cent UDF (User Development Fees) which is Rs 709 per departing passenger will be waived off to the airline. For the second year, the incentive will be 85 per cent of UDF and for the third year incentive will be 65 per cent of UDF." Considering the flight load of 180 passengers, the incentive scheme has the potential of savings of Rs 128 lakh per flight for airlines, which is a significant amount to bridge the viability gap, he said. Veer Savarkar International Airport was designated as an international airport on April 1, 2007 and the first scheduled international flight was started on November 16, 2024 by AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur to Port Blair. But due to less passenger load the international operations were not viable for airlines and international flight operations were stopped from April 10, 2025. 'We have learnt a lot of lessons from the previous international flight operations by AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur to Port Blair. Now, we are better prepared for sustainable international flight operations with this incentive scheme and readiness to swing international cargo operations. I would like to thank the UT administration for jointly taking up the viability of international flight operations and achieving a significant breakthrough in it," he added. First Published:
