Centre Plans New Airport to Boost Tourism in Sikkim

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale announced that Sikkim may soon get a new airport, a move aimed at significantly boosting tourism in the state. This announcement reflects the Centre’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and promoting regional development, particularly in the Northeastern states of India.

Speaking at a press conference during his two-day visit to Sikkim, Athawale, who is the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, emphasized the central government’s dedication to the overall progress of the state. He acknowledged Sikkim’s exceptional performance in the tourism sector and attributed this success to the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. Athawale praised the Chief Minister for effectively advancing the state’s tourism initiatives, noting that Sikkim has become a model for other Northeastern states.

Highlighting broader regional development, Athawale pointed out that the entire Northeast has witnessed significant progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He remarked that the central government remains committed to ensuring that infrastructure development continues to support economic growth and social advancement across the region.

One of the primary motivations for proposing a new airport in Sikkim stems from the operational challenges faced by the state’s only existing airport, Pakyong Airport. The airport frequently encounters low visibility due to weather conditions, which has led to repeated disruptions and the suspension of flight services for months at a time. This has hampered connectivity and affected the steady flow of tourists to the region.

To address this issue, the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has long been advocating for the establishment of an all-weather international airport in Sikkim. The proposed airport would serve as a critical step in enhancing air connectivity, ensuring uninterrupted travel for both domestic and international tourists, and thereby supporting the state’s tourism-dependent economy.

Athawale’s remarks also align with the broader vision of the Modi government to integrate the Northeast more fully into India’s development trajectory through improved connectivity, infrastructure, and investment in key sectors such as tourism. By considering the establishment of a new airport, the Centre aims to provide a sustainable solution that not only mitigates current logistical issues but also encourages long-term economic growth in Sikkim.

In conclusion, the Centre’s proposal to explore the construction of a new airport in Sikkim underscores its strategic focus on strengthening regional infrastructure and promoting tourism as a major driver of economic activity. The initiative is expected to bring significant benefits to the state, including job creation, better connectivity, and increased tourist inflow. It also reaffirms the central government’s ongoing efforts to uplift the Northeastern region through targeted policy interventions and infrastructural support.