PM Modi inaugurates Mizoram’s first railway line, calls it a 'lifeline of transformation'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday dedicated Mizoram’s first railway line, the Bairabi-Sairang express, calling it a “lifeline of transformation” that will connect the state to the rest of the country and boost local businesses and services.

Addressing the gathering from Lengpui airport due to adverse weather, PM Modi said, “This is not just a railway connection, but a lifeline of transportation. It will revolutionise the lives and livelihoods of the people of Mizoram. Farmers and businesses can now access larger markets across India.”

He paid tribute to the people of Mizoram for their courage and dedication, noting the inspiration drawn from leaders like Lalnu Ropuiliani and Pasaltha Khuangchera. “From today, Aizawl will proudly find its place on India’s railway map,” he said, recalling laying the foundation stone for the project a few years ago.

#WATCH | Mizoram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "From today, Aizawl will be on India's railway map. A few years ago, I had the opportunity of laying the foundation stone for the Aizawl railway line and today, we proudly dedicate it to the people of the nation. Overcoming… pic.twitter.com/wVDdaX0I2u

— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2025

Highlighting the engineering feat behind the project, PM Modi praised the workers who overcame the Himalayan terrain to construct 45 tunnels spanning 51 km and 45 bridges, ultimately connecting Mizoram directly to Delhi via the Rajdhani Express. “People will now have better access to education, healthcare, tourism, and opportunities in the transport and hospitality sectors,” he added.

The Prime Minister also linked Mizoram’s development to India’s ‘Act East’ policy, citing the Kaladan multimodal transit project and new railway lines that will enhance connectivity with Southeast Asia. He emphasised the Northeast’s growing role as a hub for entrepreneurship, with 4,500 startups and 25 incubators operating in the region.

Taking a swipe at past political neglect, Modi said, “For a long time, some parties practised vote bank politics, ignoring the Northeast. Those who were marginalised are now at the forefront.”

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the increased railway budget under PM Modi’s leadership, noting a five-fold rise from Rs 2,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore, with ongoing projects in the region now worth Rs 77,000 crore.

In addition to the railway line, PM Modi laid the foundation for several road projects, including the Aizawl Bypass Road, Thenzawl-Sialsuk Road, and Khankawn-Rongura Road.

The Prime Minister will visit Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar from September 13–15 to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of projects worth a total of Rs 71,850 crore.