Press Release
Press Release from Urban Development Department
Information & Public Relations Department
Official Release of “Revitalization of Gangtok’s Historic Core: Concept Plan”
Gangtok, 16th May 2026: The concept plan titled “Revitalization of Gangtok’s Historic Core: Concept Plan” was released by Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Hon’ble Vice President of India, in the presence of Shri Om Prakash Mathur, Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, and Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Hon’ble Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India, on the occasion of State Day, 16th May 2026, marking the concluding celebration of the 50 Years of Statehood of Sikkim.
Prepared under the State’s urban planning reform initiatives, the concept plan addresses the emerging challenges faced by Gangtok’s historic core due to rapid urbanisation, increasing congestion, infrastructure deficiencies, ecological vulnerabilities, and limited land availability. The study identifies the historic core — including MG Marg, Lall Bazaar, and adjoining precincts — as the cultural, social, and economic nucleus of the city, while emphasizing the need for context-sensitive and sustainable urban interventions.
The document is based on a comprehensive assessment of the city’s historical evolution, urban character, infrastructure systems, mobility patterns, heritage assets, and socio-economic activities. The plan proposes a range of integrated interventions focusing on heritage conservation, enhancement of pedestrian infrastructure, improvement of public realm spaces, sustainable mobility, infrastructure upgradation, tourism promotion, and strengthening of local livelihoods. It further emphasizes city branding through Sikkim’s cultural identity and traditional festivals such as Pang Lhabsol, while also incorporating soft interventions including heritage walks and curated cultural circuits aimed at enhancing visitor experience and preserving intangible heritage. The report additionally outlines stakeholder engagement mechanisms, policy convergence strategies, and an implementation framework aligned with national and state-level programmes. Under the same revitalization framework, key on-ground initiatives such as the Ridge Precinct Project have already been initiated, demonstrating early progress and institutional commitment towards implementation.
Gangtok, 16th May 2026: The concept plan titled “Revitalization of Gangtok’s Historic Core: Concept Plan” was released by Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Hon’ble Vice President of India, in the presence of Shri Om Prakash Mathur, Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, and Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Hon’ble Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India, on the occasion of State Day, 16th May 2026, marking the concluding celebration of the 50 Years of Statehood of Sikkim.
Prepared under the State’s urban planning reform initiatives, the concept plan addresses the emerging challenges faced by Gangtok’s historic core due to rapid urbanisation, increasing congestion, infrastructure deficiencies, ecological vulnerabilities, and limited land availability. The study identifies the historic core — including MG Marg, Lall Bazaar, and adjoining precincts — as the cultural, social, and economic nucleus of the city, while emphasizing the need for context-sensitive and sustainable urban interventions.
The document is based on a comprehensive assessment of the city’s historical evolution, urban character, infrastructure systems, mobility patterns, heritage assets, and socio-economic activities. The plan proposes a range of integrated interventions focusing on heritage conservation, enhancement of pedestrian infrastructure, improvement of public realm spaces, sustainable mobility, infrastructure upgradation, tourism promotion, and strengthening of local livelihoods. It further emphasizes city branding through Sikkim’s cultural identity and traditional festivals such as Pang Lhabsol, while also incorporating soft interventions including heritage walks and curated cultural circuits aimed at enhancing visitor experience and preserving intangible heritage. The report additionally outlines stakeholder engagement mechanisms, policy convergence strategies, and an implementation framework aligned with national and state-level programmes. Under the same revitalization framework, key on-ground initiatives such as the Ridge Precinct Project have already been initiated, demonstrating early progress and institutional commitment towards implementation.
