India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi inaugurated the Pakyong Airport in Sikkim on Monday (24). This is the first airport in the Himalayan state and the 100th airport in the country.
Addressing a large public gathering on the occasion, Modi described the day as a historic one for Sikkim, and an important one for India. He said that with Pakyong Airport, the country has hit a century of airports.
The prime minister also mentioned the young cricketer from Sikkim, Nilesh Lamichanay, who recently became the first cricketer from the State to score a century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, a limited overs cricket tournament involving state teams.
The prime minister said that Pakyong Airport would greatly ease connectivity to Sikkim. He said that in order to ensure that it is useful to the common man, this airport is part of the UDAN scheme.
Modi further added that emphasis is being given to enhancing both infrastructural and emotional connectivity in the entire northeastern region, at a rapid rate. He noted he has personally visited the northeastern states several times to review development work. Besides this, union ministers also regularly visit the region. He said the results of this are visible on the ground through enhanced air and rail connectivity, better roads, big bridges, and others.
The prime minister said that out of 100 airports in the country today, out of which 35 have been operationalised in the last four years.
