Tourists in Sikkim were given an unusual ultimatum this week: leave Gangtok by 6 AM on May 29 or risk getting caught in security gridlock. The reason? Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to celebrate Sikkim’s 50th Anniversary of statehood is a milestone event that turned the Himalayan state into a fortress of tight security and logistical precision.
The 6 AM deadline, announced by Sikkim’s Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, wasn’t just about traffic control. It reflected the delicate balance between celebrating history and ensuring the safety of India’s most guarded VIP. Here’s why this unprecedented move was necessary.
Sikkim’s Golden Jubilee: A 50-Year Journey
On May 16, 1975, Sikkim became India’s 22nd state after centuries as a monarchy. The 2025 anniversary marks a half-century of integration, celebrated with year-long events culminating in Modi’s visit on May 29. The Prime Minister’s presence isn’t merely ceremonial, underscoring Sikkim’s strategic importance as a border state sharing boundaries with China, Bhutan, and Nepal.
State officials framed the celebrations as a tribute to Sikkim’s “harmonious development,” highlighting achievements like environmental conservation (India’s first organic state) and hydroelectric power generation. But behind the fanfare lay a logistical nightmare: Gangtok’s narrow, winding roads, which can’t handle simultaneous tourist traffic and a high-security convoy.
The 6 AM Rule: Security Over Tourism
The advisory, issued on May 26, explicitly requested all departing tourists to exit Gangtok by 6 AM on May 29. The goal? To clear roads for PM Modi’s motorcade and prevent chaos during his 50 km journey from Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok.
Key reasons behind the deadline:
- Traffic Control: Gangtok’s roads are often clogged during peak hours and lack alternate routes. A single accident or protest could derail the PM’s schedule.
- Security Protocols: Modi’s visits typically involve multi-layered checks, including sniper teams, drone surveillance, and road sanitisation. Early tourist departures allowed agencies to lock down routes.
- Drone Ban: From May 27 to 29, all drone flights were banned statewide to eliminate aerial threats. Violators risked fines or arrest.
Behind the Scenes: The Machinery of a High-Stakes Visit
Preparations began weeks earlier. Chief Secretary VB Pathak coordinated with the Indian Army’s 33 Corps (stationed near China’s Doklam plateau) and central agencies like the SPG and IB. Key measures included:
- Odd-Even Vehicle Rules: Private vehicles were restricted based on license plates on May 28–29 to reduce congestion.
- School Closures: Gangtok schools adjusted timings to minimise daytime traffic.
- Surveillance Boost: Additional CCTV cameras were installed along NH10, a critical highway prone to landslides.
Public reactions were mixed. While locals like CM Prem Singh Tamang called Modi’s visit “a moment of pride,” some tourists complained about disrupted itineraries. Social media saw debates over whether security outweighed tourism revenue.
Geopolitical Signals: More Than a Celebration
Modi’s visit carried strategic weight. Sikkim is a frontline state in India’s defence against China, especially after the 2017 Doklam standoff. Recent infrastructure upgrades, like the Pakyong Airport and Nathu La border roads, aim to bolster military mobility.
Analysts noted the timing: the visit followed Operation Sindoor, a covert mission to reinforce border posts. By celebrating Sikkim’s Anniversary, Modi sent a message of territorial resolve to Beijing.
Tourism vs. Security: A Temporary Sacrifice?
The 6 AM exodus disrupted short-term tourism. Travel agencies rerouted trips to Darjeeling or Pelling, while hotels reported cancellations. However, officials argued the PM’s spotlight could boost long-term tourism. “Global media coverage will showcase Sikkim’s beauty and safety,” said a state tourism officer.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Balancing Acts
Sikkim’s 6 AM deadline wasn’t just about traffic. It was a microcosm of modern India’s challenges: celebrating democracy while securing it. As tourists departed at dawn on May 29, the state prepared to host history. For Sikkim, the golden jubilee was a reminder that even paradise must sometimes bow to protocol.
