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India Gazette
6 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Will keep working hard for progress of Sikkim: PM Modi
New Delhi [India], May 29 (ANI): Calling Sikkim as the 'pride of the nation,' Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the State over the past 50 years has become a model of progress. Greeting the people of Sikkim on marking the 50th anniversary of obtaining statehood, the PM took to X to post that he 'unfortunately' could not travel to the State due to inclement weather and vowed to work hard for the progress of the Northeastern state in the future. 'I was eagerly awaiting my Sikkim visit but unfortunately, the weather did not permit it. I did, however, address the programme virtually and expressed my greetings to the people. We will keep working hard for the progress of Sikkim in the times to come,' PM Modi said on X. PM Modi said this while reposting a post of Sikkim's Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. 'We, the people of Sikkim, convey our sincere thanks to the Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi ji, for blessing us virtually on the occasion of our 50th Statehood Day celebrations,' Tamang said on X. 'Although the weather did not permit his physical presence, his message and goodwill resonated deeply across the state. We look forward to welcoming the Hon'ble PM to our serene and majestic Himalayan homeland in the near future,' the Sikkim CM added. The Prime Minister addressed the 'Sikkim@50' programme in Gangtok via videoconferencing. The theme of the event was 'Where Progress Meets Purpose, and Nature Nurtures Growth'. PM Modi in his address noted that over the past 50 years, Sikkim has become a model of progress alongside nature. He said the State has transformed into a vast sanctuary of biodiversity, achieved the status of a 100 per cent organic state, and emerged as a symbol of cultural and heritage prosperity. He highlighted that today, Sikkim is among the states with the highest per capita income in the country. These achievements, he affirmed, are a testament to the capabilities of the people of Sikkim. He recognized the many stars that have emerged from Sikkim over the last five decades, illuminating India's horizon. He acknowledged the contribution of every community in Sikkim towards its rich culture and prosperity. PM Modi was scheduled to arrive in the state around 11 AM, however, virtually laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several key development projects to boost infrastructure, connectivity, and overall growth in Sikkim. Prime Minister Modi 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 said. 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 highlighted that where distance from Delhi once posed a barrier to progress, the same region is now opening new doors of opportunities. He pointed out that nearly 400 kilometers of new national highways have been built in Sikkim during the last 10 years. He said that hundreds of kilometers of new roads have been constructed in villages. Remarking that the construction of Atal Setu has enhanced Sikkim's connectivity with Darjeeling, PM Modi said that work is progressing rapidly on the road linking Sikkim with Kalimpong. He added that the Bagdogra-Gangtok Expressway will make travel to and from Sikkim much easier. Looking ahead, he announced plans to connect this expressway with the Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway, further strengthening the region's infrastructure. Highlighting efforts to connect the capital cities of all Northeastern states to the railway network are progressing rapidly, PM Modi underlined that the Sevoke-Rangpo rail line will integrate Sikkim into the national rail network. He emphasized that where roads cannot be built, ropeways are being constructed as an alternative. PM Modi also noted that several ropeway projects were inaugurated earlier today, further improving convenience for the people of Sikkim. Prime Minister 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; Passenger Ropeway at Sangachoeling, Pelling in Gyalshing District; 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 of 50 years of Statehood. (ANI)
News18
28-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
If You Are Leaving On May 29, Then Leave By 6am: Sikkim To Tourists
Last Updated: PM Narendra Modi is expected to take part in a major commemorative event at Paljor Stadium to mark 50 years since Sikkim became the 22nd state of India on May 16, 1975. The Sikkim government on Monday issued a travel advisory urging all tourists and visitors who are planning to leave Gangtok on Thursday, May 29, should do so by 6 am. This notice comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's to the state for its 50th Statehood Day celebrations. PM Modi is expected to take part in a major commemorative event at Paljor Stadium to mark 50 years since Sikkim became the 22nd state of India on May 16, 1975. The directive, issued by Sikkim's Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation on May 26, sparked confusion and concern among travellers. However, the state government clarified that the directive aimed to ensure unobstructed traffic flow and heightened security during the prime minister's visit on May 29. The narrow streets of Gangtok are ill-suited for large crowds and high-security convoys, a senior state official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. He said that the measure was purely precautionary to avoid congestion and ensure the safety of all. Officials have asked tourists to coordinate with local hotels and travel operators to avoid disruption during the celebrations. Sources said that crowd control is a major concern in the area, with thousands expected to gather along the PM's route. The directive also noted that security had been ramped up not just in Gangtok, but across Sikkim and in parts of North Bengal, including Alipurduar, which the prime minister is scheduled to visit later that day. According to officials familiar with the itinerary, PM Modi will arrive via helicopter from Bagdogra airport to Gangtok in the morning, proceed to Alipurduar in the afternoon, and then head to Patna via the Hasimara air base. Earlier this week, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang personally reviewed the preparations at Paljor Stadium, which will host the central function of the statehood celebration. Sikkim's State Day is typically observed on May 16, but this year's golden jubilee celebrations have been deferred to May 29 to coincide with the prime minister's availability. First Published: May 28, 2025, 15:52 IST
India Gazette
16-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta attends celebrations of Sikkim's 50th Statehood day at Delhi Secretariat
New Delhi [India], May 16 (ANI): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and ministers Ashish Sood and Kapil Mishra on Friday attended the celebrations of Sikkim's 50th Statehood Day held at the Delhi Secretariat. The CM congratulated the people of Sikkim further assuring that the Delhi government would take care of all people of Sikkim residing in the national capital. 'Delhi is established as the symbol of India, where people from every state live... Hundreds of people from Sikkim also live in Delhi. I heartily congratulate the people of Sikkim on Sikkim Diwas... We have decided that the Delhi Government will try to celebrate the important days of each state as a festival... I assure you that the Delhi government will take full care of all the people of Sikkim who reside in Delhi...' the CM told the media. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended their greetings to the State. President Murmu on X said, 'Warm greetings to the people of Sikkim on Statehood Day... I extend my best wishes to all residents of Sikkim for a future full of prosperity and well-being.' PM Modi in his message on X said, 'Warm greetings to the people of Sikkim on their Statehood Day! This year, the occasion is even more special as we mark the 50th anniversary of Sikkim's statehood! Sikkim is associated with serene beauty, rich cultural traditions and industrious people. It has made strides in diverse sectors. May the people of this beautiful state continue to prosper.' Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang expressed gratitude to the people of India for accepting Sikkim as a part of the Indian Union. He said, 'Today, we are a part of the biggest democracy in the world. We are protected, we are secure. We don't have to worry about anything. We are fully protected as a small state of the Indian Union.' The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) on Thursday organised a 'Tiranga Rally' on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Sikkim's statehood. The SKM workers also praised the Indian Armed Forces for their success in Operation Sindoor. Sikkim marked its 50th Statehood Day with a series of exciting initiatives aimed at promoting the state's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. As part of the celebrations, the government has launched the 'Festivals of Sikkim' magazine, a comprehensive publication that showcases the state's diverse festivals and traditions. Additionally, the 'Visit Sikkim' mobile app was unveiled, providing tourists and locals alike with a digital platform to explore and experience the best of Sikkim. (ANI)
