Sikkim received Union budgetary support of over Rs. 5000 cr: MoS

<p><b>GANGTOK,:</b> Union Minister of State for Roads Transport and Highways and Corporate Affairs Harsh Malhotra is on a one-day visit to Gangtok, during which he held discussions on the Union Budget 2026 with a key focus on road infrastructure projects in Sikkim.</p><p>Commenting on the Union Budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Malhotra said, “The budget reflects the aspirations of the country’s 140 crore citizens and lays a strong foundation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.”</p><p>Addressing party workers and officials here on Saturday, Malhotra described the budget as inclusive and development-oriented, with special focus on youth, women, farmers and the poor. “If India is to become a developed nation by 2047, all 140 crore people must work together. This budget moves in that direction,” he said.</p><p>Highlighting provisions for Sikkim, the MoS said the State has received budgetary support of over Rs 5,000 crore. He added that tax reforms introduced in the budget would benefit citizens and strengthen the economy. Apart from direct allocations, Sikkim will also benefit significantly from large Central investments in infrastructure.</p><p>The MoS informed that road infrastructure projects worth around Rs 25,000 crore are currently underway, while at the national level, Rs 10 lakh crore has been allocated for railways. “Sikkim’s share in connectivity and railway-linked development is estimated to be between Rs 40,000 and Rs 50,000 crore,” he said, stressing the importance of improved connectivity from Delhi to Siliguri and further to Sikkim through high-speed corridors.</p><p>Malhotra said the North East has been a priority for the Modi government, noting that the Prime Minister has visited the region over 62 times in the last 12 years - an unprecedented focus compared to previous governments. Sikkim and the entire North East are at the centre of our development agenda, he said.</p><p>Addressing concerns over delays in road projects, the MoS said difficult terrain, heavy monsoons and frequent landslides pose challenges, along with land acquisition issues. However, he expressed confidence that projects being executed by NHIDCL would be completed within the stipulated timeframe.</p><p>He added that under infrastructure initiatives for Sikkim, the Rangpo railway station is being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Scheme and is expected to be completed by 2027.</p><p>He further informed that over 730 km of National Highways have been constructed in Sikkim as of June 30, 2025, along with other developmental projects aimed at holistic welfare and growth of the State.</p><p>The MoS also said the Union Budget 2026–27 has announced the development of a Buddhist circuit in the North East region, which includes Sikkim. This circuit will boost pilgrimage tourism across the region, including Sikkim, he said.</p><p>The conference had the presence of State BJP general secretary DC Nepal, spokesperson SG Bhutia, and State functionaries.</p><p>Earlier in the day, Malhotra chaired a project review meeting of works being executed by the National Highways &amp; Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL), organised by the NHIDCL Regional Office in Gangtok. He reviewed the physical and financial progress of projects and sought explanations for delays in certain stretches.</p><p>He instructed concerned agencies to resolve land, utility and coordination-related issues within stipulated timelines and emphasised that road projects in hilly and border States require close monitoring and careful planning. He also directed officials to strictly adhere to safety norms and ensure adequate protective measures at construction sites.</p><p>Malhotra stressed that coordination among NHIDCL, the State government and executing agencies was essential for timely completion of projects. He instructed officials to hold regular reviews, strengthen inter-departmental coordination and adhere to approved timelines while maintaining prescribed quality standards.</p>

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