HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Sept 13: Mizoram on Saturday celebrated a landmark day as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth over ₹9,000 crore, while the state officially entered India’s railway map, a move expected to transform its economy and connectivity.
Addressing the gathering from Aizawl airport via video conferencing, the Prime Minister acknowledged Mizoram’s historic contributions to the freedom struggle and nation-building.
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“Today is a historic moment, especially for the people of Mizoram, with Aizawl being connected to the Indian railway network despite challenging terrain,” he said.
He added that the new rail link would “transform the state’s economy and revolutionise the lives and livelihoods of its people by improving access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.”
He also highlighted the state’s strategic importance in India’s “Act East Policy,” stating that the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project would “enhance connectivity with Southeast Asia, boosting trade and tourism.”
Prime Minister Modi flagged off three new express trains – the Sairang–Delhi Rajdhani Express, the Sairang–Guwahati Express, and the Sairang–Kolkata Express – offering “direct, safe, efficient, and cost-effective rail connectivity between Mizoram and major cities across the country, expanding opportunities in trade, education, healthcare, and tourism.”
The Prime Minister laid foundation stones for key road projects, including the 45 km Aizawl Bypass Road under the PM-DevINE scheme, the Thenzawl–Sialsuk Road and Khankawn–Rongura Road under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), and the Chhimtuipui River Bridge.
He said these initiatives are “expected to reduce congestion in Aizawl, enhance connectivity to southern districts, and support horticulture, ginger processing, and cross-border commerce under the Kaladan Multimodal Transit framework.”
Other initiatives included the foundation stone for a Khelo India Multipurpose Indoor Hall at Tuikual and a 30 TMTPA LPG Bottling Plant at Mualkhang, as well as the inauguration of new educational facilities, including a Residential School at Kawrthah and an Eklavya Model Residential School at Tlangnuam.
Chief minister Lalduhoma, addressing the gathering in Aizawl, described the day as historic for the state.
“Today is a historic day for our state. It marks a new chapter in our journey towards progress….The railway projects are not just infrastructure; they are investments in our children’s future, in the dignity of our citizens and in the economic resilience of our state. The impact of these projects will be far-reaching, bridging dreams and reality between Mizoram and Bharat,” he said.
He described the 51.38 km-long railway line as “a technical marvel and stood as a testament to engineering excellence.”
He further added, “This railway line is more than a feat of engineering, it is a symbol of inclusion, national integration and of the shared aspirations of our people. It brings Mizoram closure to the rest of India and India closure to the heart of Mizoram. The 51.38 km stretch includes some of the most difficult terrains in the country.”
The chief minister praised the Prime Minister’s presence, calling it “a powerful symbol of his unwavering commitment to the development of the North East and inclusive, connected India.”
“We are grateful for the inauguration of several other key projects that touched the hearts of our communities….We are proud to have worked closely with the Central government to bring this development to life ….We place on record our sincere appreciation not only for the projects but also for the way you and your colleagues have consistently lent a listening ear to our concerns,” Lalduhoma said.
He added, “Your willingness to understand our hearts has not gone unnoticed. It has strengthened our trust in cooperative federalism. Mizoram values this partnership built on empathy, responsiveness and mutual respect, and we look forward to nurturing it further in the years ahead.”
The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister’s guiding principles of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Viswas” would result in “a stronger and more connected Mizoram.”
He also paid tribute to workers who lost their lives when an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in the state in August 2023.
“They did not just build bridges and tunnels. They laid down their lives in the service of a vision larger than themselves. We offer deepest condolences to their families,” he said.
The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s focus on improving connectivity, quality of life, and opportunities in the North East.
He highlighted the growing start-up ecosystem and the development of modern sports infrastructure through the Khelo India scheme, expressing confidence in the transformative potential of these projects and the government’s commitment to further integrating the region with the national mainstream.
The event was attended by Governor of Mizoram General (Dr) (Retd) Vijay Kumar Singh, Chief Minister Lalduhoma, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Mizoram Minister Vanlalthlana, and Members of Parliament K Vanlalvena and Richard Vanlalhmangaiha, among other dignitaries. (With Inputs from PTI)
