PM Modi inaugurates Sikkim's first airport

Gangtok : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the first ever airport of Sikkim at Pakyong which is aimed at improving connectivity in the region and also connect the Himalayan state with the rest of the world.  "In the north east for the first time since Independence, many works are being done by this government," the Prime Minister said.

The Sikkim airport, in more ways than one, reflects the sincere works by the Centre to strike right "regional balance" and also to connect north east with the rest of India."This airport will also boost Sikkim's already flourishing tourism sector and help youths get new opportunities for employment," Mr Modi said.

"We have 100 airports now in India, you may be surprised to know that as many as 35 airports came up during last four years," he said these works reflect the speed with which the country has embarked on a road to development and setting up of infrastructure.

"While others gave one airport each year in 67 years, whereas we have given 9 airports each year in last four years," the Prime Minister said making a veiled attack on the Congress party.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling described it as historic for the state.

Sikkim's dream of having an airport has come true nine years after a foundation stone of the greenfield airport was laid in 2009.The new airport spread over 990 acres set up at an altitude of more than 4,500 feet, is considered an engineering marvel.

UNI