Gangtok, February 7: Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and Corporate Affairs Harsh Malhotra arrived in Gangtok on Saturday on a one-day official visit to Sikkim to review the progress of key National Highway infrastructure projects being implemented in the state. The visit underscores the Central Government's continued focus on strengthening road connectivity in the strategically important Himalayan state.
 |
| Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra arrives in Gangtok on an official visit, received at Burtuk Helipad ahead of a review of National Highway projects in Sikkim.(Image-DIO Gangtok) |
The Minister landed at Burtuk Helipad after arriving at Bagdogra Airport earlier in the day. He is scheduled to chair a high-level review meeting with officials to assess the status of ongoing National Highway projects, identify implementation challenges, and discuss measures for their timely completion.
Harsh Malhotra was accompanied by his Additional Private Secretary, Ankit Madiyan, during the visit. At Burtuk Helipad, the Union Minister received a warm welcome from Mingma Diki Sherpa, Additional Secretary, Home Department (Protocol); Sonam Dadul, Additional Chief Engineer-cum-Liaison Officer of the Roads and Bridges Department; senior officials of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL); and representatives of various line departments.
Earlier, upon his arrival at Bagdogra Airport, the Minister was received by Sharmistha Pradhan, Additional Secretary, Home Department, Bagdogra Unit; the Executive Director of NHIDCL, Regional Office, Siliguri; Mayur Shindekar; and officials from the Home Department, Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC), and the Tourism Information Centre (TIC), Bagdogra Unit. The reception was organised in accordance with the State Guest protocol.
ALSO READ: Joint Inspection Team Checks Commercial Establishments in Gangtok to Ensure Food Safety
The primary objective of the Minister's visit is to review the progress of ongoing National Highway projects that are critical to improving connectivity within Sikkim and strengthening links with the rest of the country. These infrastructure projects are expected to enhance transportation, facilitate tourism, improve access to remote regions, and support the state's economic growth and strategic development.
Officials said the review meeting will provide an opportunity to evaluate the pace of construction, address bottlenecks, and coordinate efforts among various implementing agencies. The discussions are also expected to focus on expediting project execution while ensuring quality standards and timely completion.
The visit reflects the Centre's commitment to accelerating infrastructure development in Sikkim and improving road connectivity, which remains essential for economic progress, disaster resilience, tourism, and the overall socio-economic development of the state.
