Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 9,000 crore in Mizoram’s capital, Aizawl, marking a significant step in the state’s connectivity and infrastructure growth. Due to adverse weather, the Prime Minister addressed the event via videoconferencing.

Highlighting the inauguration of the Bairabi-Sairang rail line, PM Modi said, “Today, Aizawl will be on India’s railway map. This is not just a railway connection but a lifeline of transformation for the people of Mizoram.” The Rs 8,070-crore project, completed despite challenging terrain, includes 45 tunnels and 143 bridges and will connect Aizawl to the national railway network, improving access to markets, education, healthcare, tourism, and employment opportunities.

The Prime Minister also flagged off three new express trains: the Sairang-Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Rajdhani Express, Sairang-Guwahati Express, and Sairang-Kolkata Express, providing direct connectivity to major cities.

PM Modi emphasized Mizoram’s role in India’s Act East Policy and the emerging North East Economic Corridor, noting projects such as the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the Sairang-Hmawngbuchhuah rail line that will connect the state to the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia, promoting trade and tourism.

In road infrastructure, the Prime Minister laid the foundation for key projects, including the Rs 500-crore Aizawl Bypass Road under the PM-DevINE scheme, Thenzawl-Sialsuk Road, Khankawn-Rongura Road under NESIDS, and the Chhimtuipui River Bridge on the Lawngtlai-Siaha Road, aimed at improving connectivity and supporting horticulture farmers.

To strengthen education and sports infrastructure, PM Modi inaugurated an Eklavya Model Residential School at Tlangnuam, a Residential School at Kawrthah under PMJVK, and laid the foundation for the Khelo India Multipurpose Indoor Hall at Tuikual, which will nurture youth for national and international competitions.