GANGTOK, April 29, 2026 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Union government is prioritising connectivity and infrastructure in Sikkim to fully unlock the state’s tourism potential, addressing the closing ceremony of the Statehood Golden Jubilee at Paljor Stadium. He told a large public gathering that better roads, rail and road links are essential to sustain livelihoods and grow the tourism economy.
Modi said hundreds of kilometres of roads have been built to connect villages across the state and highlighted several large projects under way. He described the Sevoke–Rangpo railway project as nearing completion, and said work is progressing on the Bagdogra–Gangtok expressway and proposed ring roads for Gangtok — all intended to strengthen Sikkim’s links with the rest of India.
The prime minister urged continued innovation in tourism promotion, citing projects the government is pursuing as examples. He pointed to the upcoming Bhaleydhunga skywalk, a glass-deck skywalk at Singshore Bridge, and planned ropeways at Yangang and Pelling as measures to diversify attractions and draw repeat visitors.
Modi also criticised past delays in infrastructure delivery, saying some projects approved earlier did not reach the ground. He noted the Sevoke–Rangpo rail link was sanctioned in 2008–09 but remained on paper for years, and added that the current government moved to accelerate the work so the railway connection is now approaching Sikkim.
Drawing attention to environmental stewardship, he praised Sikkim’s cleanliness after a roadshow in Gangtok and said, “People of Sikkim are the true guardians of nature.” Modi framed Sikkim and the Northeast as exemplars of a global shift toward sustainable living, organic farming and clean energy, and urged that such potential be harnessed while protecting the environment.
Earlier on the day he joined a football session with local youth, underlining his view that Sikkim has strong sporting talent that should be given opportunities to grow and compete nationally and internationally.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/improved-connectivity-key-to-boosting-sikkim-tourism-pm-modi
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