PM Modi marks Sikkim statehood anniversary with ₹4,000 crore development push

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 28 marked the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood, attending official celebrations in Gangtok and announcing a series of development initiatives for the Himalayan state.

The visit, part of a two-day tour, coincided with the culmination of Sikkim’s golden jubilee celebrations, marking 50 years since it became India’s 22nd state in 1975.

During the event, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation for projects worth over ₹4,000 crore across sectors such as healthcare, housing, education and connectivity.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the Northeast, Modi reiterated the Centre’s push to accelerate development in the region under an “Act East, Act Fast” approach, describing the northeastern states as India’s “Ashtalakshmi”.

Earlier in the day, Modi participated in a roadshow in Gangtok, drawing crowds as part of the statehood celebrations.

The Prime Minister also engaged with local youth, including taking part in a football session in Gangtok, which he later described as “energising”.

As part of his itinerary, Modi visited the Swarnajayanti Maitri Manjari Park Orchidarium, highlighting Sikkim’s biodiversity and ecological richness.

In his address, the Prime Minister praised Sikkim’s unity, culture and development journey, calling it a model of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”.

The visit followed an intensive political schedule in neighbouring West Bengal, underscoring the Centre’s simultaneous focus on governance initiatives and regional outreach.

The projects announced during the visit are aimed at boosting infrastructure, improving connectivity and strengthening key sectors in the state, while enhancing its role in the broader development of the Northeast.

The celebrations and announcements mark a significant milestone for Sikkim, as the Centre positions the region as a key driver of growth and connectivity in India’s eastern corridor.