Govt moving on the path of Sabka saath, sabka vikas : PM Modi at inauguration of Sikkim's first airport

Modi, who was inaugurating the first airport in Sikkim at Pakyong, said a lot of development has already taken place in the north-east and more will happen.

"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’, he said.

"Development will reach new heights, and so will Sikkim," he said, while addressing a gathering on the occasion.

"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 and Union Miniters regularly visit the region," the PM said. .

He said the Government is making efforts to conserve environment in Sikkim.

Attackingthe previous Governments at the centre over "lack of development" in the nation, Modi said the present Government has  created one airport on average in one year and nine airports in one year on average over the past four years.

As Modi inaugurated the airport, the 100th in India, he said, "it's a century for the country."

The airport will make it easier for common man to travel to and fro Sikkim, he said.

The Pakyong airport,located about 30 km from state capital Gangtok, brings Sikkim on to the aviation map and liberating the tiny land-locked Himalayan state from its critical dependence on a sole highway for connectivity with the rest of the country. The state has no rail link. The

viation map and liberating the tiny Himalayan state from its critical 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

  Sikkim chief Minister Pawan Chamling was also present during the ceremony.

PM Modi arrived in Gangtok for a two-day visit to the state on Sunday. He r was received by Governor Ganga Prasad, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and others at Libing Army Helipad.

From the Army helipad, the prime minister's entourage travelled around to the Raj Bhawan where he will stay for the night. A large number of people carrying colourful flags gathered to get a glimpse of the prime minister. Later at Raj Bhawan, the prime minister met BJP leaders and representatives of various social organisations.