PM Modi plays football with children in Sikkim, set to unveil ₹4,000 crore development push
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a visit to the northeastern state of Sikkim, met with young people in Gangtok on Tuesday and joined them for a short football session.
Sharing a video on X, he wrote, “Nothing like playing some football with my young friends in Sikkim on a lovely Gangtok morning!” The footage showed the Prime Minister interacting warmly with children on a football ground, drawing enthusiastic responses both at the venue and online.
Rs 4,000 Crore Projects Across Key Sectors
Later in the day, PM Modi is set to attend the closing ceremony marking Sikkim’s 50th year of statehood and will unveil development projects worth over ₹4,000 crore across the state. These initiatives cover key sectors such as infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education, tourism, and environmental conservation.
In healthcare, foundation stones will be laid for a 100-bed Ayurveda hospital in Yangang and an Integrated Sowa Rigpa Hospital at NIT Deorali.
On the education front, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the permanent campus of Sikkim University, the administrative block of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University of Excellence, and Helen Lepcha Medical College in Gangtok. In addition, several schools, colleges, and IT-enabled infrastructure projects across 160 institutions will also be launched.
Boost to Connectivity, Power and Urban Infrastructure
To enhance connectivity, foundation stones will be laid for two steel arch bridges over the Teesta River, improving links between Namchi and Gangtok districts. A major road upgrade from Birdhang to Namchi will also be inaugurated to facilitate smoother inter-district travel.
The Prime Minister will further launch projects aimed at strengthening power distribution networks in Gangtok and boosting urban infrastructure. These include the inauguration of the Jan Seva Sachivalaya at Lumsey, along with housing initiatives for various sections of society.
Focus on Environment, Tourism and Agriculture
Environmental efforts will include sewerage system upgrades in Singtam and river pollution control projects in Gangtok.
Tourism infrastructure is also set for expansion, with plans for redevelopment of the Ridge Precinct, improved facilities for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and the development of eco-tourism projects across the state.
In the agriculture sector, the launch of the Sikkim IFFCO Processing Plant is expected to boost agro-processing activities and enhance farmers’ incomes.
(DD News)
