PM Modi Inaugrates Bairabi-Sairang Railway Line In Mizoram

Aizawl, Sept 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mizoram today and officially inaugurated several key infrastructure projects worth ₹8071 crore, including the new Bairabi–Sairang railway line spanning 51.38 km. He also flagged off three new railway services in Mizoram:

Aizawl–Delhi Rajdhani Express (via Anand Vihar Terminal)

Aizawl–Kolkata Express

Aizawl–Guwahati Express

The Prime Minister had originally laid the foundation stone for the Bairabi–Sairang railway line on 29th November 2014, and today he returned to officially inaugurate it.

In addition to this, he also inaugurated several other development projects:

Residential School at Kawrthah (under Ministry of Minority Affairs) worth ₹33 crore

Tlangnuam Eklavya Model Residential School (under Ministry of Tribal Affairs) worth ₹24 crore

Aizawl Western Side Bypass Road (MDoNER) – ₹500 crore

Gas Bottling Plant at Mualkhang (30,000 Metric Tons Per Annum, under Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas) – ₹226 crore

Bridge over Tuipui Ferry (Chhimtuipui) (under Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) – ₹70 crore

Thenzawl–Sialsuk road (via Sathlur & Lau river) (MDoNER) – ₹45 crore

Khankawn to Rongura road in Serchhip district (MDoNER) – ₹32 crore

Khelo Multipurpose Hall in Tuikual, Aizawl (Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports) – ₹12 crore

Addressing the gathering via videoconferencing from Lengpui Airport, the Prime Minister expressed regret that he was unable to join the people at Aizawl due to bad weather. Despite the circumstances, the Prime Minister remarked that he could feel the love and affection of the people even through this medium.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described September 13, 2025, as a historic day for India, particularly for the people of Mizoram, as Aizawl was officially added to the Indian Railway Map. He inaugurated the long-awaited Bairabi–Sairang railway line, which he had laid the foundation stone for in 2014. Despite immense geographical and technical challenges, the project has now been successfully completed, thanks to the dedication of engineers and workers. The Prime Minister proudly dedicated the railway line to the nation, calling it a symbol of transformation and connectivity.

Emphasizing that this is not just a transportation project, Shri Modi said the rail link will revolutionize the lives and livelihoods of people in Mizoram. It will provide farmers and local businesses with access to larger markets, improve connectivity to healthcare and education facilities, and open new employment opportunities in tourism, transportation, and hospitality sectors.

Shri Modi paid tribute to Mizoram’s deep historical and cultural contributions, highlighting the inspirational legacy of Lalnu Ropuiliani and Pasaltha Khuangchera, describing Mizo society as one built on values of sacrifice, courage, service, and compassion. He emphasized that these values continue to inspire the rest of the country and that Mizoram is playing an important role in India’s development journey.

Addressing long-standing regional inequalities, the Prime Minister said that for the past 11 years, the government has worked consistently to bring the Northeast into the mainstream, making it the “growth engine of India.” He pointed out that several Northeastern states have been brought onto the railway map for the first time and that the government has strengthened connectivity across sectors — including roads, electricity, internet, water, and LPG connections.

The Prime Minister reiterated Mizoram’s strategic importance in India’s Act East Policy and the North East Economic Corridor. He spoke about major connectivity projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the upcoming Sairang–Hmawngbuchhuah railway line, which will connect Mizoram to the Bay of Bengal via Southeast Asia. He noted that such initiatives will boost trade, investment, and tourism across the Northeast and with neighboring countries.

Highlighting the government’s focus on youth development, Shri Modi mentioned that 11 Eklavya Residential Schools have already been established in Mizoram, with six more under construction. He praised the vibrant start-up culture emerging in the Northeast, with more than 4,500 start-ups and 25 incubators operating in the region. Young entrepreneurs from Mizoram, he said, are actively creating opportunities for themselves and others, and the government is committed to supporting them.

On the sports front, the Prime Minister spoke of Mizoram’s rich sporting culture, especially in football, and the government’s investments in building sports infrastructure under the Khelo India Scheme. He announced the introduction of a new National Sports Policy—Khelo India Khel Niti, which aims to open even more avenues for the youth. Mizoram, known for producing many champions, will be a significant beneficiary of these initiatives.

Shri Modi also touched on efforts to promote the culture, crafts, and agriculture of the Northeast, particularly Mizoram. He recalled events like the Ashta Lakshmi Festival in Delhi, which showcased the region’s GI-tagged products, textiles, and tourism potential. He spoke about the Rising North East Summit, where he encouraged investment and highlighted the government’s Vocal for Local initiative. Mizoram’s bamboo products, organic ginger, turmeric, and bananas, he noted, are gaining national recognition and market access.

Turning to economic reforms, the Prime Minister explained the impact of the next-generation GST reforms in improving the ease of living and doing business. He also announced that GST on hotel stays has been reduced to 5%, making travel and tourism more affordable, especially to destinations like the Northeast. This move is expected to boost tourism in Mizoram and surrounding states, while also creating more jobs in the hospitality sector. Shri Modi emphasized that all these measures are part of the broader vision to make life easier for ordinary citizens.

On the national economy, Shri Modi declared that India has recorded 7.8% GDP growth in Q1 of FY2025–26, making it the fastest-growing major economy globally. He noted the success of initiatives like Make in India, and praised the role of Made-in-India weapons during Operation Sindoor, which demonstrated the nation’s military and manufacturing strength. He linked economic growth to national security, highlighting that a strong economy enables a stronger defense.

Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive development—ensuring that every region, every citizen, and every family benefits from national progress. He expressed confidence that Mizoram will play a vital role in building a Developed India, and extended heartfelt congratulations to the people as Aizawl officially joins the Indian railway network.

Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, also addressed the gathering at Aizawl Lammual. He congratulated the people of Mizoram on this historic milestone in railway connectivity.

The Union Minister noted that the successful completion of this railway project stands as a testament to the dedication and expertise of the railway engineers, the Railway Board, and the countless workers who contributed to its realization. He also mentioned that this was an extraordinary undertaking. The railway line passes through 45 tunnels and crosses over 55 major bridges, highlighting the scale and complexity of the work involved. Among these structures is a bridge that stands taller than the Qutub Minar in Delhi, reflecting the remarkable engineering achievements accomplished during the project.

Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that the new railway line will enable the entire nation to experience Mizoram’s natural beauty, promote tourism, and generate employment opportunities. He also informed that cargo operations will commence this week, improving efficiency and reducing costs. Additionally, a refrigerated coach will be introduced, opening up new markets for Mizoram’s local produce such as turmeric, ginger, and fruits, and boosting Mizoram’s economic development.

He emphasized that this is a landmark achievement under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and a major step forward under the Act East Policy. Other planned improvements in railway services across the Northeast were also discussed.

Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma, in his remarks, stated that today marks a significant and defining day for Mizoram. He noted that the Prime Minister’s personal presence and the way he formally inaugurated the various projects reflect his genuine concern and attention towards Mizoram and the wider Northeastern region.

He emphasized that the new railway line and services will greatly strengthen Mizoram’s integration with the rest of India, and will significantly boost economic growth. He also highlighted that this reflects India’s inclusive development approach, where every region is being brought into the national mainstream.

The Chief Minister added that the six newly inaugurated development projects, which the Prime Minister personally dedicated, are highly relevant to Mizoram’s current needs. These initiatives will bring wide-ranging benefits across various sectors, and are aligned with the state’s developmental priorities. He expressed deep gratitude for the Prime Minister’s continued attentiveness and support, noting that whenever Mizoram has presented its concerns or proposals, the Prime Minister has responded with seriousness and sincerity.

The grand public reception held at Lammual Ground in Aizawl, attended by Governor Gen. (Dr) VK Singh, Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and a large crowd of citizens.