MP Indra Hang Subba seeks urgent centre's support for North Sikkim and Pakyong airport revamp
He said that such improvements are crucial to restoring public confidence in regional air travel and ensuring better connectivity for both residents and tourists.
LOCAL
During the official visit of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture to Sikkim, Hon’ble Member of Parliament Indra Hang Subba met with the Committee’s Chairperson, Sanjay Kumar Jha in Gangtok and submitted a comprehensive memorandum seeking urgent central intervention in critical areas affecting the state.
The representation primarily focused on the alarming state of infrastructure in North Sikkim following a series of natural disasters, and the pressing need to revive operations at Pakyong Airport to restore air connectivity and boost tourism.
Subba, who represents Sikkim in the Lok Sabha, drew attention to the repeated devastation caused by natural calamities — most notably the Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) of October 4, 2023, and the flash flood of June 1, 2025. These events, he said, had severely damaged essential infrastructure in North Sikkim, cutting off key tourist destinations like Lachen, Lachung, Yumthang, Yumesamdong, Katao, Kalapathar, and Gurudongmar Lake.
Highlighting the dual importance of these routes — both for tourism and national security due to their proximity to the Indo-China border — Subba urged the committee to consider central support for immediate restoration of roads and bridges, development of climate-resilient infrastructure like elevated roads and tunnels, and relief packages for the affected tourism sector.
“The damage has not only disrupted local livelihoods but also deeply affected tourism, which is the backbone of the economy in North Sikkim. Many homestay owners, travel agencies, and vehicle operators are facing immense hardship,” said Subba.
He called for banking relief measures including moratoriums, restructuring of loans, waiver of penal interest, and the provision of emergency credit lines to help local entrepreneurs and workers bounce back from the crisis.
In the same memorandum, Subba also pressed for the revival and upgradation of Pakyong Airport. He requested the immediate resumption of SpiceJet flights connecting Pakyong to Delhi and other major cities, a runway extension from the current 1.75 km to 3.0 km to accommodate larger aircraft, and procurement of Bombardier Q-400 aircraft by Air India and other airlines suitable for high-altitude regional operations.
He said that such improvements are crucial to restoring public confidence in regional air travel and ensuring better connectivity for both residents and tourists.
Referring to Sikkim’s recent celebration of its Golden Jubilee of Statehood, Subba stated, “This is a pivotal time for Sikkim. The Hon’ble Prime Minister himself virtually addressed the people of Sikkim on this historic occasion. Strengthening our physical and air connectivity now will fuel the next phase of our development.”
The MP also expressed his gratitude to Chairperson Sanjay Kumar Jha and the Committee members for visiting Sikkim and taking stock of ground realities. He reaffirmed his dedication to advocating for the welfare of his state and its people at the national level.