As Prime Minister Modi emphasised in his Saturday address, this is not merely a railway connection but a lifeline of transformation; one that promises to revolutionise lives and livelihoods across Mizoram.
September 13 marked a watershed moment for Mizoram’s infrastructure, as the Northeastern state—often called the land of the blue mountains—welcomed its first rail service. More than half a century after being carved out of Assam, initially as a Union Territory, Mizoram witnessed the inauguration of the Bairabi-Sairang rail line by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.
Despite inclement weather confining him to Lengpui Airport, Modi described it as a historic day for Mizoram, with the state capital Aizawl now directly connected to Delhi via the Rajdhani Express.
“A few years ago, I had the opportunity of laying the foundation stone for the Aizawl railway line. And today, we proudly dedicate it to the people of the nation. Overcoming many challenges, including difficult terrain, this Bairabi Sairang railway line has become a reality. The skills of our engineers and the spirit of our workers made this possible.”
Modi emphasised that this was not merely a railway connection, but a lifeline of transformation that would revolutionise lives and livelihoods across Mizoram.
“Farmers and businesses of Mizoram can reach more markets across the nation. People will be able to access more options for education and healthcare. This will also create employment opportunities in tourism, transport and hospitality sectors.”
He added that, unlike previous dispensations that focused only on states with more parliamentary seats, his government was committed to developing the Northeast as a growth engine for the country.
Constructed at a cost of over ₹80.7 billion, the Bairabi-Sairang rail line traverses challenging hilly terrain. It includes 45 tunnels built under complex geological conditions, along with 55 major bridges and 88 minor bridges. As Modi noted, the direct rail link between Mizoram and the rest of India will offer safe, efficient, and cost-effective travel, while ensuring timely delivery of food grains, fertilisers, and other essential commodities, enhancing logistical efficiency and regional accessibility.
On the occasion, Modi also flagged off three new express trains: the Sairang (Aizawl)-Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Rajdhani Express, the Sairang-Guwahati Express, and the Sairang-Kolkata Express. The Sairang-Guwahati Express will facilitate movement between Mizoram and Assam, while the Sairang-Kolkata Express will directly connect Mizoram to West Bengal. This enhanced connectivity is expected to improve access to hospitals, universities, and markets, strengthening educational, cultural, and economic ties across the region.
Upcoming Projects for Enhanced Connectivity
Over the past 11 years, several Northeastern states have been added to India’s rail map for the first time, with investments in rural roads, highways, telecommunications, electricity, tap water, and liquefied petroleum gas connections by the central government.
Modi announced that Mizoram would soon benefit from the UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme, with helicopter services launched to remote areas. He reiterated Mizoram’s strategic role in India’s outreach to Southeast Asia under the Act East Policy and the emerging North East Economic Corridor.
“With the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and Sairang–Hmawngbuchhuah Railway line, Mizoram will also get connected to the Bay of Bengal through South East Asia. Due to this, trade and tourism will be boosted across Northeast India and Southeast Asia.”
In a major boost to road infrastructure, Modi laid the foundation stone for multiple projects, including the Aizawl Bypass Road, the Thenzawl-Sialsuk Road, and the Khankawn-Rongura Road. The 45-kilometre Aizawl Bypass Road, worth over ₹5 billion and developed under the PM-DevINE scheme, aims to decongest Aizawl and improve connectivity to Lunglei, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Lengpui Airport, and Sairang Railway Station. Travel time from the state’s southern districts to Aizawl is expected to reduce by around 1.5 hours.
The Thenzawl-Sialsuk Road, under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), will benefit horticulture farmers, dragon fruit growers, paddy cultivators, and ginger processors, while strengthening links with the Aizawl-Thenzawl-Lunglei Highway. The Khankawn-Rongura Road, also under NESIDS in Serchhip District, will improve market access and support the planned ginger processing plant.
Additionally, Modi laid the foundation stone for the Chhimtuipui River Bridge on the Lawngtlai-Siaha Road. This bridge will provide all-weather connectivity and reduce travel time by two hours, while supporting cross-border commerce under the Kaladan Multimodal Transit framework.
-Manish Pant