Gangtok: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee arrived in Gangtok on April 11 on a four-day visit, during which he will have meetings with Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, his ministerial colleagues and officials to review development works.

"I have been looking forward to this visit. This would enable me to see development works in the state. Sikkim has always been the centre of attraction for tourists from all over the country and I am very happy to be here," Vajpayee told reporters on his arrival.

He said he would meet the Chief Minister and Ministers to get their reports on development works that were taking place in the state to enable the Centre to give necessary assistance.

The Prime Minister was received at the helipad by Governor V Rama Rao and the Chief Minister.

Vajpayee was accompanied by his foster daughter Namita and granddaughter Niharika.

Security across Sikkim has been tightened in view of his visit. This is the first visit of the Prime Minister to Sikkim in nine years. Former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao had visited the state in 1994.

PTI