Prime Minister Modi Engages with Youth and Unveils Major Projects in Sikkim
PM Modi Plays Football in Gangtok
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared moments of him playing football with local youth in Gangtok, showcasing a lighter side during his visit to the northeastern state.
He took to social media platform X to share a video of the event, stating, "Nothing like playing some football with my young friends in Sikkim on a lovely Gangtok morning!"
The footage depicted the Prime Minister interacting with children on the football field, warmly engaging with them and participating in the game, which drew enthusiastic reactions from onlookers. The post quickly gained popularity online, with many users commending the Prime Minister's outreach to the youth and his initiatives to promote sports and fitness nationwide.
Additionally, the PM is set to visit the Orchidarium in Gangtok, where the Swarnajayanti Maitri Manjari Park has been established as a world-class Orchid Experience Centre to highlight the state's ecological and floral heritage.
To Inaugurate Projects Worth Over ₹4,000 Crore
Later in the day, the Prime Minister will attend the closing ceremony of Sikkim's 50th Year of Statehood celebrations at Paljor Stadium. During this event, he will inaugurate, launch, and lay the foundation stone for various development projects totaling over ₹4,000 crore across the state.
The Prime Minister will also address the attendees. These initiatives cover a broad spectrum of sectors, including infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education, power, urban development, environment, tourism, and agriculture, all aimed at fostering holistic and inclusive growth in Sikkim.
Healthcare Initiatives
In the healthcare domain, the Prime Minister will lay the groundwork for a 100-bedded Ayurveda Hospital in Yangang, located in the Namchi district. He will also inaugurate a 30-bedded Integrated Sowa Rigpa Hospital at NIT Deorali, enhancing access to traditional and integrative medical systems in the state.
Education Sector Boost
In terms of education, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the permanent campus of Sikkim University in Yangang, the Administrative Block of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University of Excellence in Chakung, the Helen Lepcha Medical College in Socheygang, and the Dentam Professional College in Gyalshing district. He will also open model residential schools in Hee Gyathang, a new Model Degree College in Mangshila, and a monastic hostel-cum-classroom at Boomtar Gumpa in Namchi district. Furthermore, he will launch IT-enabled educational infrastructure projects across 160 schools in Sikkim.
Enhancing Connectivity
To further enhance connectivity in Sikkim, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation for two hinged double-lane steel arch bridges over the River Teesta at Sirwani and Lower Samdong, linking Namchi and Gangtok districts. He will also inaugurate the widening and strengthening of the road from Birdhang to Namchi via Kitchudumra, which will improve inter-district accessibility, travel efficiency, and facilitate smoother movement of people and goods.
Power Sector Upgrades
In the power sector, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the improvement and revamping of the Transmission and Distribution (T&D) network in Gangtok, enhancing reliable power supply in the region.
Urban and Administrative Infrastructure
Regarding urban development and administrative infrastructure, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Jan Seva Sachivalaya (Mini Secretariat) at Lumsey and the Civil Service Officers Institute in Gangtok. He will also launch housing initiatives, including the Sikkim Urban Garib Awas Yojana at Lingding, housing for police personnel, and Grade 'C' quarters at SAP Pangthang. Additionally, he will lay the foundation stone for the Sadhbhav Mandap (Public Utility Centre) at MG Marg.
Environmental Protection Efforts
As part of environmental protection initiatives, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation for sewerage system rehabilitation in Singtam town under river pollution abatement efforts. He will also inaugurate the pollution abatement scheme for the River Rani Chu through the Roro Chu river in Zone III, Gangtok, contributing to improved urban sanitation and sustainable ecosystems.
Tourism and Pilgrimage Development
In the tourism and pilgrimage sector, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the redevelopment of the Ridge Precinct in Gangtok, eco-tourism and pilgrimage infrastructure at Dodak in Soreng, and facilities related to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, including amenities at 18th Mile and Hangu Lake, along with a Yatri Niwas at Krishna Pranami Mangaldham, Namphing. He will also lay the foundation stone for an Eco-Pilgrimage Complex at Silnon in Gyalshing district.
Boost for Agriculture and Sports
The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Sikkim IFFCO Processing Plant, which is anticipated to significantly enhance agro-processing and strengthen farmer livelihoods and value chains in the state.
He will also inaugurate indoor cricket facilities at Mining, Rangpo in Pakyong district to foster youth engagement and sports development.
Conclusion
The Prime Minister's visit marks a significant milestone in the Golden Jubilee year of Sikkim's statehood and underscores the government's ongoing commitment to the rapid and sustainable development of the state and the Northeast region.