Prime Minister Modi to Celebrate Sikkim's 50th Anniversary with Major Initiatives
Modi's Upcoming Visit to Sikkim and Other States
On Thursday, May 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day tour covering four states, including Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. During this visit, he is set to inaugurate several significant development projects. Modi will participate in a program titled 'Sikkim@50: Where Progress Meets Purpose and Nature Fuels Development,' commemorating the 50th anniversary of Sikkim's establishment.
Celebrating Sikkim's Foundation Day
The Prime Minister will attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok on Thursday. This marks Modi's second visit to Sikkim as Prime Minister. Officials confirmed that he will engage in the event themed 'Sikkim at 50: Where Progress Meets Purpose and Nature Fuels Development.' Sikkim, which gained statehood through a referendum on May 16, 1975, has been a protected state since India's independence in 1947. Welcome banners and hoardings have been displayed in Gangtok and surrounding areas to greet the Prime Minister.
Commemorative Coin and Stamp Release
During his two-hour visit, Modi will unveil a commemorative coin, a souvenir, and a postage stamp to mark Sikkim's 50 years as a state. He will also inaugurate and lay the foundation for various projects, including a 500-bed district hospital in Namchi, a passenger ropeway in Pelling, and a statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Atal Amrit Udyan in Gangtok.
Addressing a Large Gathering
The Prime Minister is expected to address a gathering of approximately 100,000 people during the state foundation ceremony. Extensive security measures have been implemented in the capital and surrounding areas, with restrictions on vehicle movement in Gangtok.
Preparations in Alipurduar, West Bengal
Ahead of Modi's visit, Alipurduar in West Bengal has been adorned for the occasion. Today, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts. This project, costing over ₹1,010 crores, aims to provide piped natural gas (PNG) to more than 250,000 households and over 100 commercial establishments and industries, while also establishing around 19 CNG stations to supply compressed natural gas (CNG) to vehicles, in line with the government's minimum work program (MWP) targets.