Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Sikkim, where he is taking part in the State’s Golden Jubilee celebrations marking 50 years of its statehood. During the event, he described the Northeast as India’s “Ashtalakshmi” and underlined the importance of Sikkim as a key part of this region. Alongside the celebrations, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore.

The projects span a wide range of sectors, including infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education, power, urban development, environment, tourism, agriculture, and allied areas. These initiatives aim to ensure overall and inclusive growth in the State while improving the quality of life for residents.

In the healthcare sector, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a 100-bedded Ayurveda Hospital at Yangang in Namchi district. He also inaugurated a 30-bedded Integrated Sowa Rigpa Hospital at NIT Deorali. These facilities are expected to strengthen access to traditional systems of medicine in the region and improve healthcare services for the local population.

Education was another major focus during the visit, with several institutions and facilities being inaugurated. These include the permanent campus of Sikkim University at Yangang and the administrative block of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University of Excellence at Chakung. The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Helen Lepcha Medical College at Socheygang in Gangtok district and the Dentam Professional College in Gyalshing district.

Further strengthening educational infrastructure, model residential schools at Hee Gyathang and a Model Degree College at Mangshila in Mangan district were also launched. A monastic hostel-cum-classroom at Boomtar Gompa in Namchi district was inaugurated as well. In addition, IT-based infrastructure projects in 160 schools were introduced to enhance digital learning. Indoor cricket facilities at Mining, Rangpo in Pakyong district were also opened to promote sports development among youth.

To boost connectivity, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for two double-lane steel arch bridges over the River Teesta at Sirwani and Lower Samdong. These bridges will improve links between Namchi and Gangtok districts. He also inaugurated the expanded road from Birdhang to Namchi via Kitchudumra, which is expected to make travel between districts smoother and more efficient.

In the power sector, an upgraded Transmission and Distribution network in Gangtok was inaugurated to improve electricity supply and ensure better reliability for consumers. This step is aimed at supporting both households and economic activities in the region.

Urban development projects were also a key part of the announcements. The Prime Minister launched the Jan Seva Sachivalaya (Mini Secretariat) at Lumsey and the Civil Service Officers Institute in Gangtok. Housing projects were inaugurated under the Sikkim Urban Garib Awas Yojana at Lingding, along with housing for police personnel and Grade ‘C’ quarters at SAP Pangthang. Additionally, the foundation stone for the Sadhbhav Mandap, a public utility centre at MG Marg, was laid.

In the environment sector, efforts to improve sustainability and reduce pollution were highlighted. A sewerage system rehabilitation project at Singtam town was launched, along with a pollution control project for the River Rani Chu in Gangtok. These projects aim to address environmental concerns and improve urban sanitation.

Tourism-related developments were also announced to boost the State’s appeal as a travel destination. The redevelopment project of the Ridge area in Gangtok was inaugurated, along with eco-tourism and pilgrimage facilities at Dodak in Soreng. Facilities related to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra at 18th Mile and Hangu Lake were also launched. A Yatri Niwas at Krishna Pranami Mangaldham in Namphing was inaugurated, and an Eco-Pilgrimage Complex at Silnon in Gyalshing district was announced.

In the agriculture sector, the Sikkim IFFCO Processing Plant was inaugurated. This project is expected to support farmers by improving agro-processing capabilities and strengthening the agricultural value chain in the State.

Overall, the visit highlighted a strong push towards development across multiple sectors in Sikkim, with a focus on inclusive growth, improved infrastructure, and better public services.