New Delhi: Aizawl is set to become the fourth capital city in India’s Northeast to be connected by rail, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Mizoram’s first railway line on Saturday. The 51.38-km Bairabi-Sairang railway project, along with multiple development initiatives worth over ₹9,000 crore, was launched virtually during the Prime Minister’s two-day visit to the region.
PM Modi flagged off three new trains — the weekly Sairang-Anand Vihar Rajdhani Express, the tri-weekly Kolkata-Sairang Express, and the daily Guwahati-Sairang Express — enhancing connectivity between Mizoram and key cities across the country.
Addressing the gathering online, the Prime Minister expressed his admiration for the people of Mizoram, saying, “Whether it is the freedom movement or nation-building, the people of Mizoram have always contributed with courage and compassion. These values are at the heart of Mizo society.”
Calling the railway project a “historic moment,” he added, “From today, Aizawl will be on India’s railway map. A few years ago, I had the privilege of laying the foundation stone for this project, and today we proudly dedicate it to the nation.” He praised the perseverance of engineers and workers who overcame challenging terrain to make the project a reality.
Describing the railway connection as more than just infrastructure, PM Modi said, “This is not merely a railway line, but a lifeline of transformation. It will revolutionise the lives and livelihoods of the people of Mizoram.” He highlighted the benefits of improved market access for farmers and businesses, better education and healthcare options, and increased employment opportunities in sectors like tourism, transport, and hospitality.
The Bairabi-Sairang railway will now link Aizawl with the rest of the country, joining Guwahati, Agartala, and Itanagar as the Northeast capitals connected by rail.
In addition to the railways, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for several road projects, including the Aizawl Bypass Road, Thenzawl-Sialsuk Road, and Khankawn-Rongura Road. These initiatives are expected to reduce travel time by around 1.5 hours and improve access to markets, benefiting farmers and supporting industrial activities such as ginger processing.
Furthering his commitment to education, PM Modi also inaugurated the Eklavya Model Residential School at Tlangnuam, aimed at improving enrollment and providing holistic education opportunities to tribal youth.
The Prime Minister’s visit underlines India’s continued focus on connecting and empowering the Northeast, ensuring sustainable development and inclusive growth for its people.
