New Delhi, Sep 12 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized on Friday that the Northeast is emerging as a leader in the nation’s development, shifting from a distant frontier to a vital part of India’s growth narrative.

The inauguration of the Bairabi-Sairang railway line represents a significant milestone, linking Mizoram to the national railway network, thereby unlocking new opportunities for trade and connectivity,” stated the Office of the Prime Minister of India on X.

The Prime Minister praised an article by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, which elaborates on the Northeast’s rise as a key player in the country.

“For many years, the Northeast was seen as a remote frontier, awaiting development. Our brothers and sisters in the northeastern states had aspirations for progress, yet the necessary infrastructure and opportunities were elusive. This paradigm shifted when Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Act East policy. Once considered a distant area, the Northeast is now recognized as a leader,” the article noted.

This remarkable transformation is attributed to unprecedented investments in railways, roads, airports, and digital connectivity. Peace accords are fostering stability, allowing citizens to benefit from various government initiatives. For the first time since Independence, the northeastern region is seen as integral to India’s development.

Take the investments in railways as an example. The allocation for the railway budget in this region has surged fivefold compared to the 2009-2014 period. This fiscal year alone, an allocation of Rs 10,440 crore has been made, with a total budget of Rs 62,477 crore from 2014 to 2025. Currently, railway projects amounting to Rs 77,000 crore are in progress. Such levels of investment have never been witnessed in the Northeast,” the article highlights.

Mizoram is a significant part of this growth narrative. Known for its rich culture, enthusiasm for sports, and stunning landscapes, it remained disconnected from mainstream development for decades. Limited road and air connectivity persisted, and railways had not reached its capital, leaving aspirations unfulfilled. However, this scenario has changed, as the article indicates.

Vaishnaw further mentioned that the inauguration of the Bairabi-Sairang railway line by PM Modi is a historic achievement for Mizoram. Constructed at a cost exceeding Rs 8,000 crore, this 51-kilometre project will connect Aizawl to the national railway network for the first time. Additionally, the PM will flag off three new train services from Sairang to Delhi (Rajdhani Express), Kolkata (Mizoram Express), and Guwahati (Aizawl Intercity).

This railway line traverses challenging terrain. Engineers have constructed 143 bridges and 45 tunnels to link Mizoram. One of the bridges exceeds the height of the Qutub Minar. Indeed, in this rugged landscape, akin to other Himalayan lines, the railway is essentially a series of bridges and tunnels interspersed along the route,” the article concludes.