Narendra Modi visited the Orchidarium in Gangtok on Tuesday as part of his two-day trip to Sikkim, where he explored the state’s rich ecological and floral heritage. He was accompanied by Om Prakash Mathur and Prem Singh Tamang. The Swarnajayanti Maitri Manjari Park has been developed into a modern Orchid Experience Centre to showcase Sikkim’s unique biodiversity. On Monday, the Prime Minister also met Padma awardees and notable individuals from various fields, describing the interaction on X as insightful and engaging.

On Tuesday, he is set to attend the closing ceremony of Sikkim’s 50th statehood celebrations at Paljor Stadium. During the event, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation for development projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore across sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, connectivity, and tourism. In healthcare, he will initiate a 100-bed Ayurveda hospital in Yangang and inaugurate a 30-bed Sowa Rigpa hospital at NIT Deorali. Several educational institutions, including the permanent campus of Sikkim University, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University of Excellence, Helen Lepcha Medical College, and Dentam Professional College, will also be inaugurated. Additionally, model schools, a degree college, and IT-enabled infrastructure across 160 schools will be launched.

To boost connectivity, foundation stones will be laid for two steel arch bridges over the Teesta River and road upgrades between Birdhang and Namchi will be inaugurated. Power infrastructure improvements in Gangtok will also be launched. In urban development, projects like the Jan Seva Sachivalaya at Lumsey, Civil Service Officers Institute, housing schemes, and Sadhbhav Mandap at MG Marg will be inaugurated or initiated. Environmental efforts include sewerage rehabilitation in Singtam and pollution control measures for the Rani Chu river.

Tourism and pilgrimage infrastructure projects, including redevelopment of the Ridge area, facilities for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and eco-tourism initiatives, will also be launched. The Prime Minister will additionally inaugurate the Sikkim IFFCO Processing Plant to support agriculture and an indoor cricket facility in Pakyong to promote sports. The visit coincides with the Golden Jubilee celebrations marking 50 years of Sikkim’s statehood.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from DD.