(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
PM Modi Inaugurates Mizoram’s First Railway Line, Boosts Northeast Development
Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a big day for Mizoram on Saturday, launching key projects that promise to transform the state. Speaking from Aizawl Lengpui airport due to bad weather, he connected live to unveil the Bairabi-Sairang New Rail Line. This 51-km track, built at a cost of over ₹8,000 crore, finally links Aizawl to India’s national railway network—something the state has waited for since independence.
"This isn’t just a railway connection; it’s a lifeline for transportation," PM Modi said. The line crosses tough terrain with 143 bridges and 45 tunnels, including one taller than the Qutub Minar. It’s an engineering marvel that will change lives in Mizoram. Farmers and businesses here can now reach markets across the country easily, boosting local economies and livelihoods.
PM Modi flagged off three new trains too: the Sairang (Aizawl)-Delhi Anand Vihar Terminal Rajdhani Express, Sairang-Guwahati Express, and Sairang-Kolkata Express. "Aizawl is now on India’s railway map," he added proudly. He recalled laying the foundation stone a few years ago and called this a historic moment for the Northeast.
Northeast’s Growth Under BJP: From Neglect to Spotlight
In his speech, PM Modi took a dig at opposition parties, especially Congress, for ignoring the Northeast due to their focus on vote-bank politics. "For years, states like Mizoram suffered because politicians chased seats and votes in other areas," he said. "Our BJP government is different—we’re putting neglected regions front and center."
He highlighted how the Northeast has become India’s growth engine over the past 11 years. Many states here are now on the railway map, thanks to dedicated efforts. PM Modi also praised Mizoram’s youth, calling the state blessed with talent. "We’re empowering them with 11 A-Club residential schools already running, and six more on the way," he noted. The region is turning into a startup hub, with 4,500 startups and 25 incubators buzzing with ideas. Young Mizos are jumping in, creating jobs and opportunities.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw echoed this, pointing out that the railway budget for the Northeast has jumped five-fold under PM Modi’s leadership.
More Infrastructure Wins for Mizoram
Beyond the railway, PM Modi laid foundation stones for several road projects. The star is the 45-km Aizawl Bypass, costing over ₹500 crore under the PM-DevINE scheme. It will ease city traffic and improve connectivity. Other key ones include the Thenzawl-Sialsuk Road and Khankawn-Rongura Road.
He also greenlit the Chhimtuipui River Bridge on the Lawngtlai-Siaha Road. This all-weather bridge will cut travel time, boost local trade, and support cross-border links under the Kaladan Multimodal Transit project.
Mizoram’s Political Scene and Northeast Tour
Mizoram’s politics is dominated by the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), which holds a simple majority with 27 seats in the 40-member assembly. Chief Minister Lalduhoma leads the pack, while BJP has two seats and Congress just one. The state’s lone MP, Richard Vanlalhmangaiha from ZPM, represents it in Parliament. Before ZPM’s rise, Congress ruled the state from 2008 to 2018, overlapping with the UPA’s central government.
PM Modi’s Northeast push continues. From September 13 to 15, he’ll visit Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar to launch projects worth ₹71,850 crore. It’s all about building a stronger, connected India—one state at a time.
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