AIZAWL : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, September 13 inaugurated the Bairabi–Sairang new railway line, a transformative infrastructure project worth over Rs 8,070 crore that officially connects Mizoram’s capital to the Indian Railways network for the first time.

The ambitious project, constructed across some of the country’s most challenging hilly terrain, features 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 88 minor bridges, reflecting a remarkable feat of engineering. With the inauguration, Sairang in Mizoram is now directly linked to Delhi through the Rajdhani Express, putting Aizawl firmly on India’s railway map.

Speaking at Lengpui Airport, the Prime Minister apologised for not being able to reach Aizawl due to adverse weather conditions, but said he could feel the people’s warmth and affection even from a distance.

Recalling the laying of the foundation stone years ago, Modi hailed the resilience of engineers and workers who overcame immense challenges to complete the project. He described the inauguration as a “historic milestone” not only for Mizoram but also for the entire Northeast.

In his address, the Prime Minister lauded the people of Mizoram for their long-standing contributions to the nation. “Whether in the freedom struggle or in nation building, the people of Mizoram have always come forward. Sacrifice and service, courage and compassion—these values are at the heart of Mizo society,” he said.

Modi also took the opportunity to criticise opposition parties, accusing them of indulging in vote bank politics. “For a long time, some political parties focused only on places with more votes and seats. The entire Northeast, including Mizoram, suffered greatly because of this attitude. Our government’s approach is different—we place neglected and marginalised communities at the centre of development,” he asserted.

The inauguration of the railway line has been widely welcomed as a symbol of connectivity, inclusivity, and integration for Mizoram, marking a new chapter in the state’s developmental journey.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated a series of landmark development projects in Mizoram, including the state’s first railway line, while asserting that the Northeastern states had long “suffered greatly” under opposition-led governments that practiced vote-bank politics.

The Bairabi–Sairang New Rail Line, a historic project, will connect Mizoram to the Indian Railways network for the first time, marking a new chapter in the state’s connectivity and growth. The inauguration, which was conducted via live video conferencing from Lengpui Airport due to inclement weather, also saw the flagging off of three new express train services: Sairang (Aizawl)–Delhi Rajdhani Express, Sairang–Guwahati Express, and Sairang–Kolkata Express.

“For the past 11 years, our government has been working relentlessly for the development of the Northeast. Today, this region is emerging as the growth engine of India,” PM Modi said. He emphasized that over the years, many Northeastern states have been integrated into the national rail network, which he described as a critical step in ending decades of neglect.

Targeting the Congress, PM Modi said the party had ignored the Northeast for decades, focusing only on seats and vote-bank politics. In contrast, he noted, the BJP-led government has consistently placed the region at the forefront of the nation’s development agenda.

The new rail line and train services are expected to significantly boost trade, tourism, and overall economic activity in Mizoram, while improving connectivity for its people with the rest of the country.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally