Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a visit to the northeastern state of Sikkim, met youngsters in the capital Gangtok on Tuesday and joined them for a brief football session.
Posting a video on X, the Prime Minister wrote, “Nothing like playing some football with my young friends in Sikkim on a lovely Gangtok morning!” The visuals showed him interacting warmly with children on a football ground, drawing enthusiastic reactions both on-site and online.
₹4,000 Crore Projects Across Key Sectors
Later in the day, PM Modi is scheduled to attend the closing ceremony of Sikkim’s 50th year of statehood celebrations and unveil multiple development projects worth over ₹4,000 crore across the state. These initiatives span infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education, tourism, and environmental protection.
In the healthcare sector, foundation stones will be laid for a 100-bedded Ayurveda hospital in Yangang and an Integrated Sowa Rigpa Hospital at NIT Deorali.
Education projects include the inauguration of the permanent campus of Sikkim University, the administrative block of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University of Excellence, and the Helen Lepcha Medical College in Gangtok. Several schools, colleges, and IT-enabled infrastructure across 160 institutions will also be launched.
Boost to Connectivity, Power and Urban Infrastructure
To improve connectivity, foundation stones will be laid for two steel arch bridges over the Teesta river, linking Namchi and Gangtok districts. A key road upgrade from Birdhang to Namchi will also be inaugurated to enhance inter-district travel.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate projects aimed at strengthening power supply networks in Gangtok and urban infrastructure, including the Jan Seva Sachivalaya at Lumsey and housing initiatives for various groups.
Focus on Environment, Tourism and Agriculture
Environmental initiatives include sewerage rehabilitation in Singtam and river pollution abatement projects in Gangtok.
Tourism infrastructure will also receive a boost, with redevelopment of the Ridge Precinct, facilities linked to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and eco-tourism projects across the state.
In agriculture, the inauguration of the Sikkim IFFCO Processing Plant is expected to support agro-processing and improve farmer livelihoods.
