Aizawl: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (September 13) inaugurated Mizoram’s first railway line and flagged off the state’s maiden Rajdhani Express connecting Aizawl with Delhi.
With the inauguration, Sairang in Mizoram is now directly linked to Delhi through the Rajdhani Express, putting Aizawl firmly on India’s railway map.
The Rs 8,070-crore BairabiSairang railway line, considered one of the most challenging in Indian Railways’ history, was sanctioned in 2008-09 and construction began in 2015.
The ambitious project features 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 87 minor bridges. Bridge No 144, near Sairang, is taller than Qutub Minar at 114 metres. It is the tallest pier railway bridge in the country, an official of the Northeast Frontier Railway said.
The route also features five road overbridges and six underpasses, covering four main stations — Hortoki, Kawnpui, Mualkhang, and Sairang — apart from Bairabi.
Speaking at Lengpui Airport, the Prime Minister apologised for not being able to reach Aizawl due to adverse weather conditions, but said he could feel the people’s warmth and affection even from a distance.
In his address, PM Modi said, “A historic day for the nation, particularly for the people of Mizoram. From today, Aizawl will be on India’s railway map. Mizoram has a major role in both our Act East Policy and the emerging North East Economic Corridor.”
This new direct rail link will provide the people of Mizoram with a safe, efficient, and affordable way to travel across the country. It will also ensure the timely and reliable supply of food grains, fertilisers, and other essential commodities, thereby enhancing overall logistical efficiency and regional accessibility.
The PM also flagged-off three new express trains — Sairang (Aizawl)-Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Rajdhani express, Sairang-Guwahati Express and Sairang-Kolkata Express on this occasion.
The Prime Minister also laid foundation stones for multiple projects that will cater to various sectors including railways, roadways, energy, sports, among others.
The 45-km Aizawl Bypass Road, worth over Rs 500 crore, under Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) scheme will decongest Aizawl city, improve connectivity to Lunglei, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Lengpui Airport, and Sairang railway station among others, the PMO said in a statement.
The Thenzawl-Sialsuk Road under North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme NESIDS (Roads) will benefit horticulture farmers, dragon fruit growers, paddy cultivators, and ginger processors, while strengthening connectivity with the Aizawl Thenzawl Lunglei Highway.
The Khankawn Rongura Road under NESIDS (Roads) in Serchhip district will provide better access to markets and benefit various horticulture farmers and other people in the region, while supporting the planned Ginger Processing Plant.
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He also laid the foundation stones of Chhimtuipui bridge on Lawngtlai Siaha Road, Khelo India Multipurpose Indoor Hall for sports development and an LPG bottling plant at Mualkhang in Aizawl.
Modi also inaugurated a residential school at Kawrthah under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) scheme and an Eklavya Model Residential School at Tlangnuam.
