Super Car Rally Concludes in Gangtok, Promoting Battlefield and Silk Route Tourism

KalimNews with inputs from IPR Gangtok, December 15, 2025, Gangtok : The Super Car Rally, which took place from December 11 to 15, 2025, in collaboration with the Government of Sikkim and the Black Cat Division under the aegis of the Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army, concluded on a triumphant note at a local hotel in Gangtok on Monday. The rally, which aimed to promote economic growth, battlefield tourism, and the preservation of the region's historical significance, brought together prominent personalities, government officials, and a convoy of 17 supercars.

During the event's closing ceremony, Chief Secretary (Tourism and Civil Aviation) Mr. C.S. Rao addressed the gathering, marking the conclusion of the Silk Route Drive—Reviving the Ancient Route. He extended a warm welcome to the supercar team and expressed his gratitude to all the departments, event sponsors, and collaborators who supported the rally. Mr. Rao highlighted the event’s success in promoting battlefield tourism, showcasing the rich heritage of Sikkim’s Silk Route, and thanked the supercar team for bringing global attention to the state's tourism potential.

In his address, Additional Principal Secretary Mr. Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha gave a comprehensive report on the Silk Route Drive, noting that the rally, which spanned from December 11 to 14, had created history. He expressed his appreciation for all those involved in the event, underscoring that it was an endeavour aimed at fostering economic progress and enhancing tourism in the region.

The interactive session with the Super Car Route drivers, including Mr. Zain Rais, Mr. Parag Rajda, Mr. Avinash Pahuja, and Mr. Viren Mirani, provided valuable insights into their experiences during the rally. The drivers expressed their sincere appreciation to the government officials for their unwavering support throughout the event and commended their fellow route drivers for their cooperation and camaraderie along the journey.

In a culturally enriching segment, Mr. Mickma Tshering Lepcha presented the Tungbuk and Puntong Polit, two traditional indigenous musical instruments awarded the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. These instruments hold deep cultural significance in the Lepcha community and were performed to offer the audience a deeper understanding of their technique and heritage.

The event also featured a session moderated by OSD to HCM, Mr. Rewaj Chettri, with prominent entrepreneurs and personalities such as Ms. Vidisha Chettri of SIBIN Group, Ms. Devika Gurung, owner of Fidgety Fingers, Dr. Anbalagan Sundaram, CEO of Sikkim Organic Farming Development Agency, Mr. Soni Virdi, Chairman of Mount Zion School, and others. This session highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit of the state, bringing together innovators from various fields.

The cultural programme added a vibrant touch to the event with a Bhutia folk song by Mr. Chewang Bhutia, a Nepali cultural dance performance by G Sharp, and musical performances by Ms. Sarina Sunar and Mr. Prakash Sundas. To conclude the event, the supercar drivers were presented with gift hampers sponsored by Sikkim Supreme.

The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including the Chairman of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Mr. Lukendra Rasaily, Chairman of SIMFED Mr. Tenzing Dorjee Bhutia, District Collector Gangtok Mr. Tushar Nikhare, Brigadier Mr. Suraj Bahan, and officials from various departments. The vote of thanks was proposed by Ms. Tshering Ongmu Bhutia from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department.

Earlier on the same day, the Governor of Sikkim, Mr. Om Prakash Mathur, and the Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim, Mr. Justice Biswanath Somadder, flagged off the Super Car Rally, titled "Sikkim – The Silk Route Drive," during a ceremony held at the Chaman Top helipad, located at an altitude of 14,300 feet. The event was attended by several prominent officials, including Major General M.S. Rathore, GOC, Black Cat Division, Brigadier Amit Kumar, CO 311 GR, and various other dignitaries.

Governor Mr. Om Prakash Mathur praised the Super Car Rally team for promoting Ran Bhoomi tourism and acknowledged the efforts of the Army personnel in supporting and initiating the event. He highlighted the national importance of locations such as Nathula and Cho La and described the Ran Bhoomi Darshan initiative, which enables citizens to visit historically significant battle sites associated with India's defence history.

The Governor also remarked that Ran Bhoomi tourism is an important initiative that not only preserves the memory of military sacrifice but also fosters responsible travel, promotes local livelihoods, and raises awareness about the strategic significance of these regions. He concluded his address by saluting the dedication of the Army personnel.

Chief Justice Mr. Justice Biswanath Somadder described the rally as a symbolic event that reflected India's emergence as a super economy. He emphasized the strong bond between civilians and the Indian Army and commended the rally for showcasing the strength and preparedness of the Indian Army.

Major General M.S. Rathore, in his address, welcomed the participants and expressed gratitude to the dignitaries for their presence. He informed the gathering that the Ran Bhoomi Darshan initiative, launched on Army Day in January 2025, aims to open historically significant battlefield sites for tourism. Cho La, he noted, has been opened as part of this initiative, and the Super Car Rally serves as a powerful example of military-civil cooperation.

Earlier in the day, Governor Mr. Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Justice Mr. Biswanath Somadder paid floral tributes during a wreath-laying ceremony at Cho La Prerna Sthal, situated at 14,800 feet. The ceremony also saw the inauguration of a history room, souvenir outlet, cafeteria, gazebo, and a viewpoint shed at the memorial site, which commemorates the sacrifices made by Indian Army personnel during the 1967 India–China conflict at Cho La.

The rally, a self-funded initiative led by the Mumbai-based Super Car Route Group, travelled across Sikkim with 17 supercars, promoting the state's tourism potential and highlighting the importance of preserving its rich heritage. Following the conclusion of the event, mementos were presented to the supercar drivers, and a group photograph was taken to mark the occasion.

The Super Car Rally is a testament to the successful collaboration between the Government of Sikkim, the Indian Army, and various stakeholders, with the ultimate goal of fostering tourism, economic development, and greater public awareness of the strategic and historical significance of Sikkim’s Silk Route and battlefield sites.