PM Modi Inaugurates Mizoram's First Railway Line, Calls It a Lifeline for Growth

Aizawl: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Mizoram’s first railway line, the Bairabi–Sairang express, calling it a “lifeline of transformation” that will connect the state more closely with the rest of India.

Speaking from Lengpui airport after bad weather prevented him from reaching the venue, Modi said the new line would change daily life and business in Mizoram. “This is not just a railway connection, it is a lifeline of transportation. Farmers and businesses can now reach bigger markets across India,” he said.

The Prime Minister linked the project to India’s ‘Act East’ policy, which focuses on strengthening trade and connectivity with Southeast Asia. He mentioned the Kaladan multimodal project and upcoming railway lines as key steps in this direction. Highlighting the Northeast’s growing role in innovation, he said the region is now home to 4,500 startups and 25 incubators.

Modi also criticised past governments, saying the Northeast was long ignored due to vote-bank politics but is now moving to the forefront of development.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who also addressed the event, said the railway budget for the Northeast has risen sharply in the last decade, from Rs 2,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore, with projects worth Rs 77,000 crore currently underway.

Along with the railway inauguration, Modi laid the foundation for several road projects, including the Aizawl Bypass Road, Thenzawl–Sialsuk Road, and Khankawn–Rongura Road.

The Prime Minister’s visit is part of a larger tour of Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar between September 13 and 15, during which he will launch and lay foundation stones for projects worth Rs 71,850 crore.

The new rail link is expected to improve transport, create business opportunities, and give Mizoram better access to both national and international markets.