Aizawl, Oct 15: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Tuesday said the state has emerged as one of the top tourist destinations in the Northeast, recording a sharp rise in visitor numbers last year.

According to official figures, over 5.2 lakh tourists visited Mizoram in 2024, marking a 139.5 per cent increase from the previous year. The Chief Minister said the surge is expected to continue following the inauguration of the Bairabi–Sairang railway line, which has brought the state onto India’s railway map for the first time.

The 51-km railway line, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 13, connects Mizoram’s capital Aizawl with the rest of the country through Assam’s Silchar town. The project, considered one of the most challenging in Indian Railways’ history, is expected to significantly boost tourism and trade.

Addressing the Hnahsin (Cosmos Flower) Festival in Champhai district, Lalduhoma said Mizoram’s tourism potential lies not only in its natural beauty but also in its cultural richness. “Tourists should be shown the Mizo ethics of selfless service, honesty, respect for elders and hospitality to strangers when they visit our state,” he said.

The Chief Minister urged residents to preserve their land and traditions while embracing tourism as a key driver of economic growth. He added that tourism could help reclaim wealth that has long been drained outside the state.