PM Modi unveils mega infra push in Sikkim, hails state as ‘Heaven of the East’ at 50th statehood celebrations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a major development push for Sikkim, including plans to boost connectivity and tourism infrastructure, while addressing the closing ceremony of the state’s 50th year of statehood celebrations in Gangtok and asserting that the “new generation of Sikkim reflects true patriotism.”

Praising the Himalayan state for its rapid progress, Modi said meeting its people was “a delight” and described Sikkim as the “heaven of the East” and part of India’s “Ashtalakshmi” — a reference to the eight northeastern states. “Sikkim reflects the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ at a time when attempts are being made to divide the nation on the basis of language, region and politics,” he said, adding that the state stands as a model of unity and harmony.

Highlighting the Centre’s focus on the region, the Prime Minister said his government was working with an “Act East, Act Fast” approach to accelerate growth in the Northeast. He announced that infrastructure development remains a top priority, with plans including an expressway from Bagdogra and a ring road in Gangtok to improve connectivity and increase tourist inflow. “Tourism is the mainstay of Sikkim’s economy, and strengthening connectivity will open new opportunities for the people,” he said, adding that around 1,000 homestays are being developed to further boost local livelihoods.

Modi contrasted the current pace of development with what he termed “neglect” under previous Congress governments. “For decades, Congress regimes kept Sikkim’s development projects on the back burner. The Northeast, including Sikkim, was ignored and central schemes did not reach people effectively,” he said. He also alleged that healthcare infrastructure in the past remained inadequate, while asserting that his government has prioritised both infrastructure and welfare delivery.

Emphasising improvements on the ground, Modi said, “One of the best things I noticed throughout the journey was the cleanliness of Sikkim’s roads. There is no dirt to be seen anywhere — cleanliness in the air and on the roads. The people of Sikkim are true guardians of nature and its brand ambassadors.” He added that hundreds of kilometres of highways have been built in recent years and work is underway to connect villages with all-weather roads.

On healthcare, the Prime Minister said the government is committed to providing affordable treatment alongside strengthening infrastructure. “We provided Ayushman cards for free treatment to the poor, and now this benefit is being extended to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. Medicines are also available at very low prices at Jan Aushadhi centres,” he said.

He also highlighted Sikkim’s achievements in organic farming and sports, noting that the state’s model of natural agriculture serves as an inspiration for the entire country. “Sikkim’s lifestyle and its values have become a part of the nation’s broader vision. The youth here have showcased their talent on big platforms, especially in sports,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Modi interacted with youngsters in Gangtok and joined them for a friendly football session, even scoring into an open net. Sharing the moment, he said, “A football morning in Gangtok! We learnt, we played, we celebrated and above everything else, we enjoyed the game.”

Known for its rich biodiversity, flora and fauna, and serene landscapes, Sikkim has emerged as a key tourism and ecological hub in India’s Northeast. The Prime Minister said the state’s development journey over the past five decades demonstrates how sustainable growth and cultural preservation can go hand in hand, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to further accelerating its progress.