PM unveils development projects worth over Rs 4,000 cr in Sikkim

Among major projects, Modi laid the foundation stone for a 100-bed Ayurveda hospital at Yangang in Namchi district and inaugurated 30-bed Integrated Sowa Rigpa Hospital at NIT Deorali, which will strengthen access to traditional and integrative systems of medicine in the Himalayan state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched 30 development projects worth around Rs 4,018 crore in Sikkim, while attending the closing ceremony of 50 years of statehood celebrations. The projects span a wide range of sectors such as infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education, power, urban development, environment, tourism and agriculture. These projects are aimed at accelerating holistic and inclusive development in Sikkim, officials said. Among major projects, Modi laid the foundation stone for a 100-bed Ayurveda hospital at Yangang in Namchi district and inaugurated 30-bed Integrated Sowa Rigpa Hospital at NIT Deorali, which will strengthen access to traditional and integrative systems of medicine in the Himalayan state. The Prime Minister also inaugurated the permanent campus of Sikkim University at Yangang, the administrative block of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University of Excellence at Chakung, the Helen Lepcha Medical College at Socheygang in Gangtok, and the Dentam Professional College in Gyalshing district. He also unveiled a model residential school at Hee Gyathang, a college at Mangshila in Mangan district, and a monastic hostel-cum-classroom at Boomtar Gumpa in Namchi. The Prime Minister launched the implementation of IT-enabled educational infrastructure projects across 160 schools in Sikkim. To improve connectivity in Sikkim, Modi laid the foundation stone for double-lane steel arch bridges over the Teesta river at Sirwani and Lower Samdong, connecting Namchi and Gangtok districts. He also inaugurated the widening of a road from Birdhang to Namchi via Kitchudumra to enhance inter-district accessibility, improve travel efficiency, and facilitate smoother movement of people and goods. Among the projects in the power sector, Modi inaugurated the improvement, upgradation and revamping of the Transmission and Distribution (T&D) network in Gangtok to strengthen a reliable power supply in the region. In the urban development infrastructure sector, the Prime Minister launched the Jan Seva Sachivalaya (Mini secretariat) at Lumsey, the Civil Service Officers Institute in Gangtok, and housing for police personnel at SAP Pangthang. As part of environmental protection efforts, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for sewerage system rehabilitation at Singtam town under the river pollution abatement initiatives. In the tourism and pilgrimage sector, Modi inaugurated the redevelopment of the Ridge Precinct in Gangtok, and eco-tourism and pilgrimage infrastructure at Dodak in Soreng. He also launched infrastructure related to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, including facilities at 18th Mile and Hangu Lake, and a lodge at Krishna Pranami Mangaldham, Namphing. Modi laid the foundation stone for an eco-pilgrimage complex at Silnon in Gyalshing district. The Prime Minister inaugurated the Sikkim IFFCO processing plant, which is expected to provide a significant boost to agro-processing and strengthen farmer livelihoods and value chains in the state. Modi also unveiled indoor cricket facilities at Mining and Rangpo in Pakyong district to promote youth engagement and sports development. He inaugurated such sporting infrastructure in five other states of the northeast region. Earlier in the day, the PM visited the Orchidarium in Gangtok and lauded the ecological and floral heritage at the Swarnajayanti Maitri Manjari Park, which has been developed as a world-class Orchid Experience Centre. ''Visited the Orchidarium in Gangtok and was mesmerised by its beauty. Sikkim's rich biodiversity is truly extraordinary. Such efforts reflect our deep harmony with nature. They also inspire us towards conservation and sustainable living,'' Modi said on X. The PM's visit marks an important milestone in the golden jubilee year of Sikkim's statehood and reflects the government's ''continued commitment to the rapid and sustainable development of the Himalayan state'', the officials said.