Aizawl : Bairabi Sairang railway inauguration marked a historic milestone as PM Modi laid the foundation and inaugurated multiple development projects worth over Rs 9,000 crore. The 51.38-km railway line now connects Aizawl to India’s railway network, flagging off three new trains and boosting connectivity, education, and the local economy.
As part of his two-day Northeast visit, PM Modi arrived in Aizawl on Saturday morning. Heavy rain prevented him from reaching Lammual Ground by helicopter from Lengpui Airport, but the Prime Minister participated virtually and inaugurated several projects.
He flagged off three trains — the Sairang-Anand Vihar (Delhi) Rajdhani Express (weekly), the Kolkata-Sairang-Kolkata Express (tri-weekly), and the daily Guwahati-Sairang-Guwahati Express. Addressing the gathering virtually, PM Modi praised Mizoram’s contributions to nation-building, highlighting sacrifice, service, courage, and compassion as central values of Mizo society.
“Today, Mizoram plays an important role in India’s development journey. From today, Aizawl will be on India’s railway map,” PM Modi said, recalling his earlier foundation-laying ceremony for the railway line. He credited the skills of engineers and the dedication of workers for overcoming the region’s difficult terrain.
Stressing the railway’s importance, he called it a “lifeline of transformation” that will revolutionize livelihoods and improve access to markets, education, and healthcare. The new rail network will also create jobs in tourism, transport, and hospitality sectors.
Aizawl now becomes the fourth capital city in the Northeast connected by rail, following Guwahati, Agartala, and Itanagar. PM Modi also laid the foundation for several road projects, including the Aizawl Bypass Road, Thenzawl–Sialsuk Road, and Khankawn–Rongura Road, reducing travel time from southern districts to Aizawl by about 1.5 hours.
The Khankawn–Rongura Road under NESIDS in Serchhip District will improve market access for horticulture farmers and support the planned Ginger Processing Plant. In addition, PM Modi inaugurated the Eklavya Model Residential School at Tlangnuam to enhance tribal youth education, improve enrollment, and reduce dropout rates.
Officials highlighted that the railway line and road projects will strengthen Mizoram’s connectivity with the rest of India and facilitate trade, tourism, and regional development. Farmers, traders, and students will gain from better access to markets, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities.
“The Bairabi–Sairang railway line is more than infrastructure; it is a transformational link connecting Mizoram to the nation,” PM Modi said. His virtual address emphasized the railway’s role in integrating the region economically and socially.
Local authorities welcomed the projects, noting that improved roads, rail connectivity, and educational facilities will accelerate Mizoram’s socio-economic development. The Prime Minister’s visit also inspired citizens to actively participate in local growth initiatives and showcase Mizoram’s rich culture.
With the inauguration of these projects, the state is poised for increased economic activity, improved livelihoods, and enhanced social infrastructure. Analysts say the combination of modern transport networks and education initiatives marks a significant step toward sustainable growth in Mizoram.
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