Connectivity a hindrance to investment in Sikkim

Gangtok, May 13: The Sikkim government is making all efforts to resolve the transportation problems which, in the long term, will make the state a coveted destination for investors. Replying to a question raised by senior journalist Karma Paljor at the Sikkim @50 Golden Jubilee Conclave here, CS Rao, the additional chief secretary of the state’s Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, said transportation is the first on the list of basic amenities that should be ensured to get investors.

“The NH-10, which is the lifeline, is getting disconnected most of the time (the highway was under the purview of Bengal PWD, but now it has come under NHAI, which has started repair work). It is being repaired… there will be some initial teething problems, but we will get a proper highway,” said Rao.

Regarding the non-functional airport at Pakyong in the state, which was inaugurated in 1998, Rao said talks are on with the Aviation Ministry.

“We have been sincerely following up on this issue, and I would request the media too to highlight this,” he added.

The Sikkim Press Club, in collaboration with the Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD), organised the event to commemorate 50 years of Sikkim’s statehood.