New Delhi/Aizawl
Affirming that the hearts of the people and the nation have always been directly connected, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that for the first time, Sairang in Mizoram will be directly connected with Delhi by the Rajdhani Express.
He said this is not merely a railway connection, but a life-line of transformation and it will revolutionize the lives and livelihoods of the people of Mizoram. He pointed out that farmers and businesses in Mizoram will now be able to reach more markets across the nation and people will gain access to more options for education and healthcare. This development will also generate employment opportunities in tourism, transport, and hospitality sectors, he stressed.
Modi underlined that despite many challenges, including difficult terrain, the Bairabi–Sairang rail line has now become a reality and commended the skills of engineers and the spirit of workers. The PM addressed the gathering via videoconferencing, as he was unable to reach the venue due to bad weather.
Highlighting that whether it was the freedom movement or nation-building, Modi said the people of Mizoram have always come forward to contribute. He remarked that the ideals of the likes of Lalnu Ropuiliani and Pasaltha Khuangchera continue to inspire the nation. “Today, Mizoram is playing an important role in India’s development journey”, stated the Prime Minister. Scheduled Tribes constitute nearly 95 percent of Mizoram’s population.
Describing the day as historic for the nation, particularly for the people of Mizoram, the PM Modi said, “From today, Aizawl will be on India’s railway map.”
Hitting out at opponents, Modi said some political parties in the country practiced vote-bank politics and their focus remained on places with more votes and seats. As a result, the entire North East, including states like Mizoram, suffered greatly due to this attitude, he maintained the current approach is very different and those who were earlier neglected are now at the forefront.
The Prime Minister emphasised that for the past 11 years, the government has been working consistently for the development of the North East. He affirmed that this region is becoming the growth engine of India.
Underscoring that over the years, many states of the North East have been placed on the rail map of India for the first time, the Prime Minister highlighted that the Government of India has worked diligently to strengthen all forms of connectivity—rural roads and highways, mobile and internet connections, electricity, tap water, and LPG connections. He also announced that Mizoram will also benefit from the UDAN scheme for air travel and informed that helicopter services will commence soon in the region. This, he remarked, will significantly improve access to remote areas of Mizoram.
“Mizoram has a major role in both the Act East Policy and the emerging North East Economic Corridor,” exclaimed the Prime Minister. He stated that with the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the Sairang–Hmawngbuchhuah rail line, Mizoram will be connected to the Bay of Bengal through South East Asia. He further emphasized that this connectivity will boost trade and tourism across North East India and South East Asia.
Modi emphasized that the government’s mission is to empower Mizo youth and informed that 11 Eklavya Residential Schools have already been established in Mizoram and work is underway to start 6 more schools. The Prime Minister highlighted that the North East is emerging as a major hub for start-ups. He expressed happiness that around 4,500 start-ups and 25 incubators are currently operating in the region. He remarked that young people of Mizoram are actively participating in this movement and creating new opportunities for themselves and others.
Emphasising that India is rapidly emerging as an important hub for global sports, the Prime Minister remarked that this growth is also giving rise to a sports economy in the country.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Bairabi-Sairang New Rail line worth over Rs 8,070 crore connects the capital of Mizoram to the Indian Railways network for the first time. The Rail line Project, built in a challenging hilly area, has 45 tunnels constructed under complex geological conditions. It also includes 55 major bridges and 88 minor bridges.
- The Prime Minister also flagged off three new express trains, Sairang (Aizawl)-Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Rajdhani Express, Sairang-Guwahati Express and Sairang-Kolkata Express on this occasion.
- In a major boost to road infrastructure, the PM laid the foundation stone of multiple road projects. It includes Aizawl Bypass Road, Thenzawl–Sialsuk Road and Khankawn–Rongura Road.
- The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of Chhimtuipui River Bridge on the Lawngtlai–Siaha Road.
- Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Khelo India Multipurpose Indoor Hall for Sports Development.
- Modi laid the foundation stone of 30 TMTPA (thousand metric tons per annum) LPG Bottling Plant at Mualkhang in Aizawl to ensure a steady and reliable supply of LPG in Mizoram and neighbouring states.
- The Prime Minister inaugurated Residential School at Kawrthah under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) scheme.
- Modi inaugurated Eklavya Model Residential School at Tlangnuam. The school will improve enrollment, reduce dropout rates, and provide holistic education opportunities for tribal youth.
