Aizawl, Sep 13 (NationPress) In a significant move for the Northeast, Aizawl has emerged as the fourth capital city to gain rail connectivity, joining the ranks of Guwahati, Agartala, and Itanagar. This transformation was set in motion by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday as he officially inaugurated the 51.38-km Bairabi-Sairang railway project. Alongside this, he laid the foundation and inaugurated a series of development initiatives valued at over Rs 9,000 crore and flagged off three new trains.

The Prime Minister marked the occasion by launching three new trains following the unveiling of the Bairabi–Sairang railway project.

The newly introduced trains include the Sairang-Anand Vihar (Delhi) Rajdhani Express (weekly), the Kolkata-Sairang-Kolkata Express (tri-weekly), and the Guwahati-Sairang-Guwahati Express (daily).

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who was in Aizawl since Friday, noted the Bairabi-Sairang railway line project was executed at a cost of Rs 8,070 crore. He highlighted the project's complexity, which includes 45 tunnels and 55 major bridges.

Vaishnaw expressed confidence that this initiative would lead to remarkable improvements in the daily lives of Mizoram's residents.

Before 2014, the allocation for railway projects in the Northeast stood at merely Rs 2,000 crore, a figure that has now surged fivefold under the governance of Narendra Modi, the Union Minister reported.

Railway officials indicated that this upgraded connectivity in Mizoram would enhance access to hospitals, universities, and markets, thereby fortifying educational, cultural, and economic connections throughout the region.

Additionally, it is anticipated to create job opportunities and significantly enhance tourism prospects.

In a further boost to road infrastructure, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for multiple road projects including the Aizawl Bypass Road, Thenzawl–Sialsuk Road, and Khankawn–Rongura Road.

A government representative from Mizoram mentioned that the 45 km Aizawl Bypass Road, estimated to cost over Rs 500 crore under the Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) scheme, aims to ease congestion in Aizawl city and enhance connectivity to Lunglei, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Lengpui Airport, and Sairang Railway Station.

This project is expected to cut travel time from the southern districts to Aizawl by approximately 1.5 hours, providing significant benefits to the local populace.

The official further stated that the Thenzawl–Sialsuk Road, which falls under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) for roads, will support numerous horticulture farmers, including dragon fruit growers, paddy cultivators, and ginger processors, while enhancing connectivity with the Aizawl–Thenzawl–Lunglei Highway.

The Khankawn–Rongura Road under NESIDS in the Serchhip District will improve access to markets and assist various horticulture farmers, while also supporting the planned Ginger Processing Plant.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation for the Chhimtuipui River Bridge on the Lawngtlai–Siaha Road, which will provide all-weather connectivity and reduce travel time by two hours.

This bridge is also expected to facilitate cross-border trade under the Kaladan Multimodal Transit framework. Additionally, the Prime Minister initiated the Khelo India Multipurpose Indoor Hall aimed at sports development.

Located in Tuikual, the hall will offer advanced sports facilities, including a multipurpose indoor arena, benefiting Mizoram's youth in preparing for national and international competitions.

To bolster energy infrastructure in the region, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a 30 TMTPA (thousand metric tonnes per annum) LPG Bottling Plant in Mualkhang, Aizawl. This facility aims to ensure a consistent and reliable supply of LPG in Mizoram and neighboring states, facilitating easier access to clean cooking fuel.

As per the official report, the LPG Bottling Plant is also set to generate local employment opportunities.

Moreover, he inaugurated a Residential School at Kawrthah under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) scheme. Situated in the Mamit aspirational district, the school will feature modern classrooms, hostels, and sports amenities including an artificial football turf.

The official noted that it will cater to the educational needs of over 10,000 children and youth, laying a solid groundwork for long-term social and educational advancements.

In line with his commitment to ensuring quality education for all, the Prime Minister also inaugurated an Eklavya Model Residential School at Tlangnuam, which is expected to enhance enrollment, lower dropout rates, and provide comprehensive educational opportunities for tribal youth.