Prime Minister Narendra Modi today virtually laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various development projects worth over nine thousand crore rupees at Aizawl, Mizoram. These projects are related to multiple sectors, including Railways, Roadways, Energy, and Sports, among others. Mr Modi inaugurated the Bairabi-Sairang New Rail line, worth over eight thousand crore rupees, connecting the capital of Mizoram to the Indian Railways network for the first time.
The direct rail connectivity between Mizoram and the rest of the country will offer the people of the region safe, efficient, and cost-effective travel options. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Modi said, Today is a historic day for the nation, particularly for the people of Mizoram. He said the Bairabi-Sairang railway line will revolutionise people’s lives in Mizoram. He highlighted that despite numerous challenges, including the difficult terrain, the Bairabi-Sairang Rail Line has now become a reality. Mr Modi said that for the first time, Sairang in Mizoram will be directly connected with Delhi by the Rajdhani Express. He said now the farmers and businesses of Mizoram will be able to reach more markets across the nation. The Prime Minister highlighted that this development will generate employment opportunities across many sectors.
Prime Minister Modi said that India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world, and the North East is becoming the growth engine of the country. Mr Modi highlighted that Mizoram has a major role in both the Act East Policy and the emerging North East Economic Corridor. He highlighted that for the past eleven years, the government has been working for the development of the North East. The Prime Minister said, for the first time, rural roads and highways, mobile connectivity, internet connectivity, electricity, tap water, and LPG connections have been expanded. He highlighted that the Central government has worked hard to strengthen all forms of connectivity.
Prime Minister Modi underlined that the government is consistently taking steps to boost ease of Living and ease of Doing Business. He said the next-generation GST reforms have recently been introduced, and it means lower taxes on many products, making life easier for families. Mr Modi recalled that before 2014, even daily essentials such as toothpaste, soap, and oil were taxed at 27 per cent and today, only five per cent GST is applicable on these items. He said India’s economy has recorded a growth of 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2025-26.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister remarked that the nation saw how Indian soldiers taught a lesson to those who sponsor terror. He said the entire country was filled with pride for the armed forces. Mr Modi emphasised that Made-In-India weapons played a significant role in protecting the nation during this operation. He added that the growth of India’s economy and manufacturing sector is crucial for national security.
On the occasion, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Bairabi-Sairang new railway line was a very challenging project involving 45 tunnels and 55 major bridges. He said the line will now connect Mizoram to Guwahati, Kolkata, Delhi and many other places. Mr Vaishnaw underlined that the opening of the new railway line will increase the number of tourists and create new jobs. He added that the government will also start cargo operations this week, which will reduce the cost of cement and steel.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi also flagged off three new express trains, Sairang -Delhi Rajdhani Express, Sairang-Guwahati Express and Sairang-Kolkata Express on this occasion. Mr Modi also laid the foundation stone of the Chhimtuipui River Bridge on the Lawngtlai-Siaha Road. Our correspondent reports that this will provide all-weather connectivity and reduce travel time by two hours.
With the inauguration of the over 51 Kilometre Bairabi- Sairang Railway line, Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, has been connected with the Indian Railways network for the first time. The direct rail connectivity between Mizoram and the rest of the country will offer the people of the region safe, efficient, and cost-effective travel options. It will also ensure the timely and reliable supply of food grains, fertilisers, and other essential commodities, enhancing overall logistical efficiency and regional accessibility. With this project, Aizawl has become the fourth northeastern capital city after Guwahati, Agartala, and Itanagar to be connected with the Indian Railways network, opening avenues for trade, tourism and economic growth. The rail connectivity and train services reinforce the Narendra Modi government’s commitment to boosting infrastructure in the northeast region.
