PM Modi Inaugurates, Lays Foundation For Development Projects Worth Over Rs 9,000 Crore In Aizawl, Mizoram
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 9,000 crore in Aizawl, Mizoram, marking a significant milestone in the state’s connectivity and infrastructure development. Addressing the event via videoconferencing due to adverse weather conditions, PM Modi described the day as historic, particularly for Mizoram, as Aizawl joins India’s railway map with the inauguration of the Bairabi-Sairang rail line.
“Today, Aizawl will be on India’s railway map. This is not just a railway connection but a lifeline of transformation for the people of Mizoram,” PM Modi said, highlighting the completion of the Rs 8,070-crore rail project despite challenging terrain. The rail line, featuring 45 tunnels and 143 bridges, will connect Mizoram’s capital to the national railway network, enhancing access to markets, education, and healthcare while boosting tourism and employment in the region.
The Prime Minister also flagged off three new express trains: the Sairang-Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Rajdhani Express, Sairang-Guwahati Express, and Sairang-Kolkata Express, ensuring direct connectivity to major cities. “This will revolutionize lives and livelihoods, enabling farmers and businesses to reach wider markets,” he added.
PM Modi emphasized the government’s focus on the Northeast, stating, “The North East is becoming the growth engine of India.” He highlighted Mizoram’s pivotal role in India’s Act East Policy and the emerging North East Economic Corridor, noting that projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the Sairang-Hmawngbuchhuah rail line will connect Mizoram to the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia, boosting trade and tourism.
In a major push for road infrastructure, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for key projects, including the Rs 500-crore Aizawl Bypass Road under the PM-DevINE scheme, which will decongest Aizawl city and reduce travel time from southern districts by 1.5 hours. Other projects include the Thenzawl-Sialsuk Road and Khankawn-Rongura Road under NESIDS, benefiting horticulture farmers and improving market access, and the Chhimtuipui River Bridge on the Lawngtlai-Siaha Road to enhance cross-border commerce.
To strengthen sports infrastructure, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the Khelo India Multipurpose Indoor Hall at Tuikual, aimed at nurturing Mizoram’s youth for national and international competitions. He also inaugurated an Eklavya Model Residential School at Tlangnuam and a Residential School at Kawrthah under the PMJVK scheme, which will benefit over 10,000 children and promote holistic education for tribal youth.
In the energy sector, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a 30 TMTPA LPG Bottling Plant at Mualkhang, Aizawl, to ensure a steady supply of clean cooking fuel and create local jobs.
Highlighting recent economic reforms, PM Modi noted that NextGenGST reforms have reduced taxes on daily essentials, medicines, and hospitality services, making life more affordable. “GST on most hotels is now only 5%, encouraging tourism, especially in hubs like the Northeast,” he said. He also announced that cement and construction materials will become cheaper after September 22, boosting affordability during the festive season.
PM Modi underscored India’s economic growth, stating, “With a 7.8% growth rate in the first quarter of 2025-26, India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world.” He also praised the success of Operation Sindoor, emphasizing the role of Made-in-India weapons in bolstering national security.
Expressing pride in promoting Northeast culture globally, PM Modi highlighted initiatives like the Ashta Lakshmi Festival and Vocal for Local, which promote Mizoram’s bamboo products, organic ginger, turmeric, and bananas. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive development, stating, “A developed India will be built through the empowerment of every citizen, and Mizoram will play a vital role in this journey.”
Mizoram Governor General V K Singh, Chief Minister Lalduhoma, and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were among the dignitaries present at the event.
