PM Modi to Visit Sikkim on May 29 to Mark 50 Years of Statehood; Major Projects, Commemorative Releases and Strict Movement Curbs Announcements

 

KalimNews, May 28, 2025, Gangtok : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Sikkim on Thursday, May 29, 2025, to participate in the Golden Jubilee celebration commemorating 50 years of the state's integration with India. This marks his third visit to the state, following trips in January 2016, when Sikkim was declared the country’s first organic state, and September 2018, during which he inaugurated the Pakyong Greenfield Airport.

The Prime Minister will arrive at Bagdogra Airport at 9:00 AM and depart for Sikkim by helicopter at 9:05 AM, landing at Libing Army Helipad, Gangtok. He will then proceed to Paljor Stadium, where he will be ceremonially welcomed around 9:45 AM. The main programme will take place from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by a brief private meeting, after which the Prime Minister will depart for Alipurduar by noon.

The central event will celebrate the milestone of Sikkim’s statehood under the theme "Sikkim@50: Where Progress Meets Purpose and Nature Nurtures Growth." A year-long programme titled “Sunaulo, Samriddha, Samarth Sikkim” has been planned by the state government to highlight Sikkim’s cultural heritage, ecological diversity, and development journey.

During the event, the Prime Minister will address the audience and inaugurate and lay foundation stones for key infrastructure projects across the state. These include a 500-bedded District Hospital in Namchi worth over ₹750 crore, a Passenger Ropeway at Sangachoeling, Pelling in Gyalshing District, and the unveiling of a statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Atal Amrit Udyan, Sangkhola in Gangtok District. Additionally, he will release a commemorative coin, souvenir coin, and postage stamp dedicated to 50 years of Sikkim’s statehood.

The event will also reflect the Centre’s sustained commitment to the development of India’s northeastern region, spotlighting Sikkim’s vital contributions to national unity, biodiversity preservation, and cultural vibrancy.

In light of the Prime Minister’s visit, extensive security measures and public advisories have been issued. All educational institutions and government offices from Ranipool to Gangtok will remain closed on May 29 to facilitate smooth traffic flow. NH-10, from the Gurudwara junction to Paljor Stadium, will be closed to general traffic from 8:00 AM on the day of the visit, with restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles extended from 6:00 AM on May 29 to 6:00 AM on May 30. A green corridor will be in place for emergency services, which will remain operational throughout.

Attendees of the event at Paljor Stadium have been advised to arrive early, with stadium gates opening at 5:30 AM and seating to be completed by 8:00 AM. Designated parking facilities and emergency medical support will be available, coordinated under police supervision.

The public and officials are urged to adhere to the issued advisories, adjust their schedules accordingly, and ensure wide dissemination of event-related information. The visit is poised to be a significant moment in Sikkim’s history, not only commemorating the past five decades of progress but also laying the groundwork for future growth and development.