Is PM Modi Transforming Mizoram with the Bairabi–Sairang Railway Line?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi inaugurated the Bairabi-Sairang railway line, enhancing connectivity for Mizoram.
- Three new train services were launched to facilitate travel and trade.
- This project will improve access to education and healthcare for local communities.
- Road infrastructure projects were also initiated to further boost connectivity.
- The Eklavya Model Residential School aims to enhance educational opportunities for tribal youth.
Aizawl, Sep 13 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched various development initiatives in Mizoram on Saturday, amounting to over Rs 9,000 crore. Among these, he inaugurated the 51.38-km Bairabi-Sairang railway project and introduced three new train services.
During his two-day trip to the Northeast, PM Modi arrived in Aizawl on Saturday morning but was unable to reach Lammual Ground from Lengpui Airport via helicopter due to severe rain.
He flagged off three train services: the Sairang-Anand Vihar (Delhi) Rajdhani Express (weekly), the Kolkata-Sairang-Kolkata Express (tri-weekly), and the Guwahati-Sairang-Guwahati Express (daily).
In his address to a large virtual audience, PM Modi emphasized, "Whether during the freedom struggle or in nation-building, the people of Mizoram have consistently stepped up to contribute... The core values of sacrifice, service, courage, and compassion define Mizo society."
"Today marks a significant milestone for Mizoram in India's development journey. From this day forward, Aizawl is officially included on India's railway map. A few years back, I had the honor of laying the foundation stone for the Aizawl railway line, and today, we proudly dedicate it to the people of our nation," he remarked.
Addressing the challenges posed by the challenging terrain of the Northeastern state, PM Modi noted, "Our engineers' expertise and our workers' dedication made this project a reality."
He highlighted the importance of this railway connection, stating, "Our hearts have always been intertwined, and now, for the first time, Sairang will be linked to Delhi via the Rajdhani Express. This is more than just a railway connection; it serves as a lifeline of transformation that will dramatically enhance the lives and livelihoods of Mizoram's residents."
With the launch of this rail network, PM Modi mentioned that farmers and businesses in Mizoram would gain access to broader markets across the country, providing more options for education and healthcare, as well as creating additional job opportunities in tourism, transport, and hospitality.
The inauguration of the 51.38-km Bairabi-Sairang railway project establishes Aizawl as the fourth state capital in the Northeast to be connected by rail, following Guwahati, Agartala, and Itanagar.
Additionally, the Prime Minister laid the foundation for several road projects, including the Aizawl Bypass Road, Thenzawl–Sialsuk Road, and Khankawn–Rongura Road, to bolster road infrastructure.
This will shorten travel times from southern districts to Aizawl by approximately 1.5 hours, offering significant benefits to local communities.
The Khankawn–Rongura Road project, under NESIDS (Roads) in Serchhip District, will enhance market access for horticultural farmers and support the planned Ginger Processing Plant.
Furthering his commitment to quality education, PM Modi is also set to inaugurate the Eklavya Model Residential School in Tlangnuam, which aims to boost enrollment, decrease dropout rates, and provide comprehensive education for tribal youth.