Gangtok, April 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 28 inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore in Sikkim, marking a major milestone during the closing ceremony of the state’s 50th year of statehood celebrations at Paljor Stadium.
Addressing the gathering, Modi said several initiatives currently being implemented could have been undertaken earlier, alleging delays under previous governments led by the Indian National Congress. He stated that development in the state has accelerated with the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party at the Centre, adding that railway connectivity is set to reach Sikkim for the first time.
According to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the projects span key sectors including infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education, power, urban development, environment, tourism and agriculture, with a focus on inclusive and comprehensive growth.
In the healthcare sector, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a 100-bed Ayurveda hospital at Yangang in Namchi district. He also inaugurated a 30-bed Integrated Sowa Rigpa Hospital at NIT Deorali, aimed at strengthening traditional and integrative healthcare systems in the state.
Education infrastructure received a significant push with the inauguration of the permanent campus of Sikkim University at Yangang, along with the administrative block of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University of Excellence at Chakung. Additional projects included Helen Lepcha Medical College at Socheygang in Gangtok district and Dentam Professional College in Gyalshing district.
The Prime Minister’s visit and the rollout of these projects coincide with Sikkim’s golden jubilee year, underscoring the Centre’s emphasis on strengthening infrastructure and public services in strategically significant northeastern states.
