New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, addressed the people of Mizoram during the laying of foundation stones and inauguration of key development works, terming it a “historic day” for the state and the nation. Due to inclement weather, the Prime Minister joined the event virtually from Lengpui Airport instead of Aizawl but said he could “feel the love and affection” of the people.
Mizoram Joins India’s Railway Map
Highlighting the landmark achievement, the Prime Minister dedicated the Bairabi–Sairang railway line to the nation, placing Aizawl officially on India’s railway map. He recalled laying the foundation stone of the project years ago and praised the engineers and workers who overcame the state’s difficult terrain to make it a reality.
For the first time, Mizoram’s Sairang will be directly connected with Delhi via the Rajdhani Express. Calling it a “life-line of transformation”, Modi said the link would boost education, healthcare, tourism, agriculture, and business opportunities while opening up new employment avenues.
Connectivity and Growth in the North East
Modi stressed that his government’s approach has been different from past “vote-bank politics” that neglected the North East. Over the last 11 years, his government has prioritised the region as India’s “growth engine”. Rural roads, highways, internet access, electricity, LPG, and tap water schemes have significantly improved connectivity. Mizoram will also benefit from the UDAN scheme, with helicopter services set to enhance access to remote areas.
The state’s strategic role in the Act East Policy and the North East Economic Corridor was underlined. With projects like the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the Sairang–Hmawngbuchhuah railway line, Mizoram will gain access to the Bay of Bengal via South East Asia, expanding trade and tourism.
Empowering Youth, Start-Ups, and Sports
The Prime Minister announced that 11 Eklavya Residential Schools are already operational in Mizoram, with six more planned. He hailed the region’s growing start-up ecosystem, with 4,500 start-ups and 25 incubators in operation, and encouraged youth in Mizoram to seize new opportunities.
Recognising Mizoram’s sporting culture, particularly in football, he said the government’s Khelo India initiative and the new National Sports Policy – Khelo India Khel Niti would modernise infrastructure and fuel the state’s sports economy.
Vocal for Local and Economic Reforms
Showcasing Mizoram’s strengths in bamboo products, organic ginger, turmeric, and bananas, Modi linked them to his ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign. He pointed out that new GST reforms had lowered taxes on essentials and healthcare, making medicines, insurance, and daily items more affordable. Cement, vehicles, and hotel tariffs will also see price cuts after 22 September, directly benefitting tourism hubs like Mizoram.
India’s economy, growing at 7.8% in Q1 of 2025-26, remains the fastest among major economies, he said. He also cited the role of Made-in-India weapons during Operation Sindoor, linking domestic manufacturing with national security.
A Vision for Inclusive Development
Reaffirming his government’s commitment, Modi said:
“Our government is committed to the welfare of every citizen, every family and every region. It is through the empowerment of the people that a developed India will be built. In this journey, I am confident that the people of Mizoram will play a very important role.”
While he could not visit Aizawl due to weather, the Prime Minister assured the people of Mizoram that he would meet them soon and congratulated them on this milestone moment in the state’s development journey.