Guwahati, Sept 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹9,000 crore in Mizoram, describing the day as “historic” as Aizawl entered India’s railway map for the first time.
Addressing the gathering via videoconference from Lengpui Airport, where he was stranded due to bad weather, the Prime Minister bowed to Pathian, the supreme God in Mizo faith, and said he felt the “love and affection of the people” despite not being physically present.
The highlight of the occasion was the inauguration of the ₹8,070-crore Bairabi–Sairang rail line, which connects Mizoram’s capital to the Indian Railways network. Built across rugged terrain with 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges and 88 minor bridges, the project has been hailed as an engineering feat. Modi also flagged off three express trains, including Mizoram’s first Rajdhani Express to Delhi, along with new services to Kolkata and Guwahati.
“This is not just a railway connection but a lifeline of transformation,” Modi said, adding that farmers, businesses, students, and patients in Mizoram will now have direct access to larger markets, better healthcare, and educational opportunities. The new connectivity, he said, will generate jobs in tourism, transport, and hospitality.
Alongside railways, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for key road projects such as the 45-km Aizawl Bypass, worth over ₹500 crore, aimed at decongesting the capital and reducing travel time from southern districts by 1.5 hours. Other road projects include the Thenzawl–Sialsuk and Khankawn–Rongura stretches, which are expected to benefit farmers and improve market access. He also announced the construction of the Chhimtuipui River Bridge to enhance all-weather connectivity and cross-border commerce under the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport framework.
Strengthening energy and social infrastructure, Modi laid the foundation stone for a 30 TMTPA LPG bottling plant at Mualkhang, ensuring a reliable, clean fuel supply for Mizoram and neighbouring states, and inaugurated new residential and Eklavya model schools in Mamit and Tlangnuam to expand education access for tribal youth.
On sports, he announced the setting up of a Khelo India Multipurpose Indoor Hall in Tuikual, saying it would nurture Mizoram’s sporting talent for national and international competitions.
Framing Mizoram as a key player in the Act East Policy and the emerging North East Economic Corridor, the Prime Minister said projects such as the Kaladan Multimodal Transport Project and the upcoming Sairang–Hmawngbuchhuah rail line would connect the state to the Bay of Bengal and boost trade with Southeast Asia.
The Prime Minister also pointed to the government’s reforms in GST, making essentials and healthcare more affordable, and said that lower taxes on hotels would give a big push to tourism hubs like the North East.
“Mizoram is playing an important role in India’s development journey,” Modi said, praising the contribution of freedom fighters like Lalnu Ropuiliani and Pasaltha Khuangchera. He underlined that the North East, once neglected due to vote-bank politics, is now becoming India’s growth engine.
Mizoram Governor V K Singh, Chief Minister Lalduhoma, and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were present at the event.
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