PM Modi on Saturday inaugurated Mizoram’s first railway line — the Bairabi-Sairang project — connecting the northeastern state to the national railway network for the first time. Constructed at a cost of over ₹8,070 crore, the project is touted to be one of the most difficult due to Mizoram’s challenging Himalayan terrain. It comprises 45 tunnels stretching 51 km and 45 bridges, one of which is taller than Delhi’s Qutub Minar.
Officials said a new tunnelling technique had to be evolved for the project, necessitating solidifying loose sand into rock-like formations before construction.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the new rail line will not only furnish safe, affordable, and efficient connectivity for Mizoram but also ensure the timely supply of essential goods like food grains and fertilisers, boosting regional accessibility and logistics.
On the occasion, PM Modi also inaugurated three new express trains — the Sairang (Aizawl)-Delhi Rajdhani Express, Sairang-Guwahati Express, and Sairang-Kolkata Express.
Another North Eastern state capital Aizawl on Indian Railways map.
Ka-lawm-e PM @narendramodi Ji. pic.x.com/tQLMbwOpMG
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) September 13, 2025
PM Modi dedicated Mizoram’s first railway line, the Bairabi-Sairang project, to the nation, terming it as a “lifeline of transformation” that will open the foyers of new opportunities for the people of the state.
“This is not just a railway connection, it is a lifeline of transportation. It will transform the lives and livelihoods of Mizoram’s people. Farmers and businesses will be able to reach wider markets across the nation,” PM Modi said.
Describing the day “historic,” Modi said Mizoram’s capital would now proudly feature on India’s railway map. “A few years ago, I had the opportunity to lay the foundation stone for the Aizawl railway line. Today, we dedicate it to the people of the nation,” he said.
“With this connectivity, people will have better access to education and healthcare. It will also generate opportunities in tourism, transport, and hospitality,” Modi noted.
#WATCH | Mizoram: A passenger says, “We are thrilled… It’s an honour for us that the Northeast railways have selected us to have this first train ride…” https://t.co/ECtuOm3z2f pic.x.com/ChnWevJGl7
— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2025
He underlined Mizoram’s growing role in India’s ‘Act East’ policy, denoting to the Kaladan multimodal transit project and future rail links to Southeast Asia. He added that the Northeast has evolved as a hub of entrepreneurship, with 4,500 startups and 25 incubators already operating in the region.
Taking a swipe at opposition parties, Modi said the Northeast was long neglected due to “vote-bank politics.” “Earlier, political parties focused only on states with more seats in the Lok Sabha. As a result, the Northeast suffered. But our approach is different—those who were ignored are now at the forefront, those once marginalised are today part of the mainstream,” he said.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who was present at the inauguration, said the project reflects the Centre’s commitment to the Northeast. “Before 2014, the railway budget for the Northeast was only ₹2,000 crore. Under PM Modi, it has increased five times to ₹10,000 crore. Today, projects worth ₹77,000 crore are underway in the region,” he said.