Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated Pakyong airport, about 30km from state capital Gangtok, bringing Sikkim on to the aviation map and liberating the tiny Himalayan state from its critical dependence on a sole highway for connectivity with the rest of the country. Landlocked Sikkim has no rail link . The nearest airport in West Bengal’s Bagdogra is 125 km away. Commercial flights would begin from October 4 when SpiceJet would start its daily Kolkata-Sikkim flights. The project was built at a cost of cost of Rs 605.59 crore.
Here are the Live updates:
PM Modi concludes speech
Development will reach new heights, and so will Sikkim, says PM Modi, concluding his speech.
Govt making efforts to conserve environment: Modi
The government is making efforts to conserve environment in Sikkim: Prime Minister
We built 9 airports in one year: PM
Created 1 airport on average in 1 year, 9 airports in 1 year on average over the past 4 years, says PM Modi attacking previous governments over lack of development in the nation.
Work is progressing at high pace to strengthen both, infrastructural and emotional connectivity to Sikkim and Northeast. I’ve been here myself to check the development work in Northeast&Union Miniters regularly visit the region, the Prime Minister says.
Govt is following up on ‘sabka saath sabka vikas’: PM Modi
I came here to take the blessings of the people of Northeast. In all of north-eastern states, a lot of development has taken place for the first time — from air to rail connectivity, to even electricity. Our govt is moving on the route of ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas’: Modi
PM Modi says it’s a ‘century for the country’
This is India’s 100th operational airport… it’s a century for the country, says PM Modi.
The airport will make it easier for common man to travel to and fro Sikkim.
PM Modi addresses a cheering crowd
PM Modi starts addressing a rally at the Pakyong airport, says he dedicates the airport to the people of Sikkim.
Sikkim CM says airport inauguration ‘historic’
Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling says the inauguration of the airport is an “historic” event.
“The Prime Minister is not just a PM, but also a great person,” says Chamling.
We’ll build 100 more airports in 10-15 years: Prabhu
In the next 10-15 years, we will build 100 more airports in India, says aviation minister Suresh Prabhu.
Suresh Prabhu addresses rally after airport inauguration
Aviation minister Suresh Prabhu says the airport is a gift from PM Modi to Sikkim. The project will benefit the people of Sikkim. It will increase tourism in the state and boost employment in Sikkim. It’s all because of the Prime Minister: Prabhu
PM Modi inaugurates Sikkim’s first airport
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the Pakyong Airport, near Gangtok, in Sikkim. Chief minister Pawan Chamling and aviation minister Suresh Prabhu are also present.
Arrangements complete ahead of inauguration
Arrangements to accommodate 8,000 people have been made at the meeting venue, Kapil Meena, district magistrate of East Sikkim district had said earlier.
Source: HindustanTimes