Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday dedicated Mizoram’s first railway line — the Bairabi–Sairang project — to the nation, calling it a “historic milestone” that will serve as a lifeline for the northeastern state.
Addressing the people virtually from Lengpui Airport due to bad weather, PM Modi apologised for not being able to join the gathering in Aizawl but stressed the importance of the occasion. “From today, Aizawl will proudly be on India’s railway map. This is not just a railway connection, but a lifeline of transformation that will revolutionise lives and livelihoods,” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted how the project will help farmers and businesses in Mizoram access wider markets while also boosting opportunities in education, healthcare, tourism, and hospitality. He praised engineers and workers who overcame the Himalayan terrain to build 45 tunnels spanning 51 km and 45 bridges, including one taller than the Qutub Minar.
PM Modi also linked the development to India’s ‘Act East’ policy, noting Mizoram’s growing role in regional connectivity, including future links to Southeast Asia through the Kaladan multimodal transit project. “Those who were once neglected are now at the forefront. The Northeast, once marginalised, is today a hub of growth and entrepreneurship,” he said.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw added that the budget for northeast railways had been increased five-fold since 2014, with projects worth ₹77,000 crore currently underway. Apart from the rail line, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stones for major road projects, including the Aizawl Bypass Road, Thenzawl–Sialsuk Road, and Khankawn–Rongura Road.
The inauguration comes as part of PM Modi’s three-day tour of five states — Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar — during which he will launch and dedicate projects worth ₹71,850 crore.
