Massive turnout, celebrations in Gangtok; people hail PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Sikkim

Gangtok, April 27 (IANS) Enthusiasm and celebration swept across Gangtok after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadshow in Sikkim for the closing ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Sikkim's statehood, with thousands of people from across the state turning out to catch a glimpse of the leader and take part in what many described as a historic moment.

The streets of the capital city were packed with people from early morning, reflecting the excitement surrounding the Prime Minister’s visit. Residents from remote and far-flung areas of Sikkim travelled long distances to be part of the occasion, turning the roadshow into a massive public gathering marked by cheers, music and festivities.

Bikash Basnet, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister of Sikkim, told IANS that the turnout and public enthusiasm were unprecedented. ''Everyone here in Gangtok was so excited. People started gathering since morning. It’s been almost a year since we have been waiting for his presence. People from far-flung areas of Sikkim gathered here in Gangtok. Every corner of the city was filled with people. We could see the excitement on people’s faces. It was historic and a proud moment for every Sikkimese,'' he said.

The Prime Minister’s visit came with celebrations linked to the state’s golden jubilee year, adding to the significance of the event.

Kunzang Gyatso, an Everest climber and President of the Sikkim Sports Climbing Association, said the visit had inspired the younger generation. ''We are very delighted to see the Prime Minister, especially our young generation. I would like to thank Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang for inviting him for the golden jubilee celebrations,'' he said.

Residents described the visit as a moment of pride for the small Himalayan state.

Subedar Ranjit Khaling, a former Army personnel, expressed his emotions, saying, ''We were so excited to see the Prime Minister here that we cannot describe it in words. Such a big leader coming to our small state in the Northeast is a very proud moment for us.''

After the roadshow concluded, the celebratory mood continued across Gangtok. People were seen dancing, singing, and walking through the streets in groups, soaking in the festive atmosphere. The city resembled a carnival-like setting, with locals and visitors alike sharing in the excitement.

PM Modi in Gangtok, traffic curbs imposed; several projects to be unveiled

Vehicular movement in several parts of the Sikkim capital has been temporarily restricted as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Gangtok for his two-day visit to Sikkim on Monday.

PM Modi interacted with people who came to greet him.

According to officials, the Sikkim Police has imposed traffic curbs, including the temporary closure of an important stretch of National Highway between Ganju Lama Dwar and Zero Point.

Authorities said the nearly three-kilometre stretch would remain shut to ensure the smooth and secure movement of the Prime Minister’s convoy. Commuters have been advised to plan their travel and make use of alternative routes to avoid inconvenience.

Security has been tightened across Gangtok, with multiple agencies coordinating closely to regulate movement and maintain protocol during the high-profile visit.

Officials added that normal vehicular movement would be restored once the required security clearance is completed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on two days visit to Sikkim, during which he will participate in the closing ceremony of the state’s 50th year of statehood celebrations and unveil multiple development projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore, officials said.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the Orchidarium in Gangtok on Tuesday, developed as a world-class Orchid Experience Centre to showcase the state’s rich ecological and floral heritage. Later, at around 10 a.m., PM Modi will attend the concluding ceremony of the Golden Jubilee celebrations at Paljor Stadium, where he will inaugurate, launch and lay the foundation stone of projects spanning sectors such as infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education, power, urban development, environment, tourism and agriculture. He will also address the gathering.

In the healthcare sector, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for a 100-bedded Ayurveda hospital at Yangang in Namchi district and inaugurate a 30-bedded Integrated Sowa Rigpa Hospital at NIT Deorali.

In education, he will inaugurate the permanent campus of Sikkim University at Yangang, the administrative block of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University of Excellence at Chakung, Helen Lepcha Medical College at Socheygang, and Dentam Professional College in the Gyalshing district.

Model residential schools at Hee Gyathang, a new Model Degree College at Mangshila, and a monastic hostel-cum-classroom at Boomtar Gumpa will also be inaugurated.

Additionally, IT-enabled infrastructure projects across 160 schools will be launched. To boost connectivity, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for two double-lane steel arch bridges over the Teesta river at Sirwani and Lower Samdong, and inaugurate the upgraded road from Birdhang to Namchi via Kitchudumra.

In the power sector, he will inaugurate the revamping of the transmission and distribution network in Gangtok. Under urban development, projects to be inaugurated include the Jan Seva Sachivalaya at Lumsey, the Civil Service Officers Institute in Gangtok, housing initiatives under the Sikkim Urban Garib Awas Yojana, and quarters for police personnel.

The foundation stone for a Sadhbhav Mandap at MG Marg will also be laid. Environmental initiatives include laying the foundation stone for a sewerage system rehabilitation project at Singtam and inaugurating the River Rani Chu pollution abatement scheme.

In tourism, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the redevelopment of the Ridge Precinct in Gangtok, eco-tourism and pilgrimage infrastructure at Dodak, facilities related to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and a Yatri Niwas at Krishna Pranami Mangaldham.

The foundation stone for an Eco-Pilgrimage Complex at Silnon will also be laid. He will also inaugurate the Sikkim IFFCO Processing Plant aimed at boosting agro-processing and farmer incomes, along with indoor cricket facilities at Mining in Pakyong district.

The visit marks a significant milestone in Sikkim’s Golden Jubilee year and underscores the Centre’s continued focus on accelerating inclusive and sustainable development in the Northeast region.