Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, 28 April inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple development projects worth approximately ₹4,000 crore in Sikkim, describing the Northeast region as India's "Ashtalakshmi" — a reference to eight forms of prosperity — and reaffirming the Himalayan state's centrality to the Centre's development agenda.

Key Announcements at Paljor Stadium

Addressing a public gathering at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, Prime Minister Modi said the Centre has moved beyond its earlier "Act East" policy to what he called an "Act Fast" approach for the Northeast. The projects span healthcare, infrastructure, education, and allied sectors.

"For the Northeast, we have not only adopted the Act East policy, but also Act Fast. Today, projects worth ₹4,000 crore in healthcare, infrastructure, education and other sectors have been kick-started," Modi said.

Among the headline announcements, the Prime Minister said 1,000 homestays would be developed across Sikkim to boost tourism and generate local employment. He also praised Sikkim's youth for sporting achievements and cited the Khelo India initiative as a vehicle for nurturing athletic talent in the region.

Connectivity Push: Rail, Road and Air

Modi underscored that tourism potential in Sikkim can only be fully realised through stronger connectivity. He noted that the Sevok-Rangpo railway line project is progressing rapidly, which would give Sikkim its first-ever railway connectivity in the state's history — a milestone he described as transformative.

He also referred to a proposed expressway linking Bagdogra Airport with Gangtok, saying it would significantly cut travel time and improve tourist inflow into the state. Road, rail, and air connectivity, Modi said, remain top priorities for the Centre in the region.

Sikkim's Ecological and Tourism Potential

Highlighting Sikkim's natural wealth, Modi noted that the state is home to more than 500 species of birds and around 700 species of butterflies, and boasts excellent forest cover. "People who visit Sikkim once wish to come here again and again," he said, framing the state's biodiversity as an economic asset waiting to be unlocked through better infrastructure.

Political Barbs and Healthcare Claims

Modi alleged that previous Congress governments had ignored Sikkim's and the broader Northeast's development needs for decades. "After the BJP came to power, development in Sikkim gained momentum," he said, a claim the opposition has contested in other forums.

On the healthcare front, the Prime Minister said several new programmes were launched on Tuesday, asserting that healthcare infrastructure in Sikkim had remained neglected under earlier regimes. "The BJP government has taken several steps to strengthen healthcare across the Northeast, including Sikkim," he added.

What Comes Next

The projects inaugurated on 28 April are expected to enhance public services, deepen infrastructure, and further integrate Sikkim with the rest of the country. With the Sevok-Rangpo rail link advancing and road connectivity projects in the pipeline, Sikkim's strategic and economic profile within the Northeast is set to grow in the coming years.