Tight security arrangements and temporary traffic restrictions have been put in place in Gangtok ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Sikkim beginning Monday. According to officials, the Sikkim Police has imposed temporary traffic curbs in several parts of the state capital to ensure security during the Prime Minister’s movement. As part of the arrangements, a key stretch of the National Highway between Ganju Lama Dwar and Zero Point has been closed for vehicular movement for a limited period.Police officials said the nearly three-kilometre stretch will remain shut from 2:30 pm onwards on Monday to allow secure passage for the Prime Minister’s convoy after his arrival in Gangtok. Authorities have urged commuters and local residents to plan their travel accordingly and use alternative routes to avoid inconvenience.
The traffic restrictions come as security agencies intensify preparations for the high-profile visit. Officials said personnel from multiple security and law enforcement agencies have been deployed across important locations in Gangtok to monitor movement and maintain strict security protocols.Senior officials stated that normal traffic movement would be restored once security clearance is given after the convoy movement and related arrangements are completed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to arrive in Gangtok at around 3 pm on Monday. His visit is linked to the concluding celebrations marking 50 years of Sikkim’s statehood.
According to the official schedule, the Prime Minister will begin his engagements on April 28 with a visit to the Orchidarium in Gangtok in the morning. He is later scheduled to attend the closing ceremony of Sikkim’s 50th Year of Statehood celebrations at Paljor Stadium. During the programme, the Prime Minister is expected to address the gathering and take part in the inauguration and foundation-laying ceremonies for several projects related to infrastructure, healthcare, education, tourism, agriculture, and connectivity.