(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
PM Modi Dedicates Mizoram’s First Railway Line, Boosts Connectivity in Northeast India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Mizoram’s first railway line, the Bairabi-Sairang Rail Link, on Saturday. This 51-km stretch connects the state to the rest of India and promises big changes for locals. Speaking virtually from Lengpui Airport due to bad weather, PM Modi called it a "lifeline of transformation" that will open doors for better services, education, healthcare, and business growth.
"This isn’t just a train track—it’s a game-changer for Mizoram’s people," PM Modi said. Farmers and small businesses can now reach markets across the country easily. He highlighted how the line puts Aizawl on India’s railway map for the first time, linking Sairang directly to Delhi via the Rajdhani Express. "Our hearts were always connected; now, the rails will connect us too," he added with a smile.
PM Modi started his speech by paying respects to Mizoram’s spiritual roots. "I bow to the Supreme God Pathian, guardian of these beautiful Blue Mountains," he said. Apologizing for not being in Aizawl in person, he felt the crowd’s warmth through the live feed. He praised Mizoram’s history of courage in India’s freedom struggle and nation-building, shouting out heroes like Lalnu Ropuiliani and Pasaltha Khuangchera who inspire everyone.
Building this Bairabi-Sairang railway wasn’t easy. Engineers and workers tackled tough Himalayan terrain, digging 45 tunnels and constructing 45 bridges. PM Modi lauded their grit: "Their skills and spirit turned challenges into progress." Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared more details, noting the project’s scale. "Under PM Modi’s Act East Policy, we’ve ramped up northeast railway funding fivefold—from Rs 2,000 crore before 2014 to Rs 10,000 crore now. Over Rs 77,000 crore worth of projects are underway," Vaishnaw said.
The new line will spark jobs in tourism, transport, and hospitality. PM Modi stressed Mizoram’s key role in India’s growth, especially through projects like the Kaladan multimodal transit linking to Southeast Asia. He also pointed to the Northeast’s startup boom—4,500 new ventures and 25 incubators are already thriving, turning the region into an entrepreneurship hub.
Taking a dig at past governments, PM Modi criticized vote-bank politics that ignored the Northeast. "Some parties chased big vote banks and left states like Mizoram behind. But our focus is different—neglected areas now lead the way," he said. This railway marks a historic shift, connecting Mizoram to national networks after years of isolation.
Besides the railway, PM Modi laid foundation stones for key road projects: the Aizawl Bypass Road, Thenzawl-Sialsuk Road, and Khankawn-Rongura Road. These will ease travel and boost local economies.
This visit is part of PM Modi’s three-day tour across five states—Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar—from September 13 to 15. He’ll inaugurate and start projects worth Rs 71,850 crore, pushing India’s infrastructure forward. For Mizoram, it’s a new era of connectivity and opportunity.
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