Gangtok/Bagdogra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Sikkim@50 event virtually on Wednesday, hailed Sikkim as a model of sustainable growth and the Northeast as India’s new engine of development. Originally scheduled to attend in person, the Prime Minister connected from Bagdogra due to poor weather conditions.
Highlighting the Centre’s commitment to inclusive development, PM Modi said Sikkim is emerging as a global example in green development and tourism. “In the next 25 years, our goal is to make Sikkim the world’s leading green model state,” he said, praising its fully organic farming practices and emphasis on eco-friendly innovations like organic fish cultivation.
Addressing the Sikkim@50 celebrations. Known for its serenity and enterprising people, the state has made remarkable strides across various sectors. https://t.co/Q8Pz9VIu61
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 29, 2025
He also underscored infrastructure achievements, including the Sevoke-Rongpo rail line and the construction of 400 km of national highways and 100 km of rural roads in the state over the past decade. Improved connectivity with Darjeeling through the Atal Setu was also noted.
Calling the Northeast central to India’s growth strategy, he reaffirmed the government’s Act East, Act Fast policy. “Since 2014, our motto has been Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. Balanced regional development is key to making India ‘Viksit’ (developed),” he said.
PM Modi virtually inaugurated several major projects in Sikkim, including a 500-bed district hospital in Namchi (₹750 crore) and a new passenger ropeway at Sangachoeling. He emphasized that local Sikkimese products would see increased global exports with full central support.
He also lauded the region’s sporting potential, noting that youth from Sikkim and the Northeast will play a vital role in India’s emergence as a global sports powerhouse.
After the Sikkim event, PM Modi’s itinerary includes visits to West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, where he is set to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for infrastructure projects worth over ₹69,000 crore combined.
