Aizawl, September 13, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Mizoram’s first railway line and flagged off the State’s maiden Rajdhani Express, connecting Sairang near Aizawl directly with Delhi.
Due to inclement weather, the Prime Minister addressed the gathering virtually from Lengpui Airport, about 30 km from the state capital, and dedicated the Bairabi–Sairang Railway Line to the people of Mizoram. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you all, and welcome Aizawl to the railway map of India. Despite the weather, I am sure we will meet very soon,” he said.
The ₹8,070-crore railway project, considered one of the most challenging in Indian Railways’ history, was sanctioned in 2008–09 and construction began in 2015. Stretching across rugged terrain, the 51.38-km line includes 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 87 minor bridges, along with five road overbridges and six underpasses. It passes through Hortoki, Kawnpui, Mualkhang, and Sairang stations.
Among its engineering marvels is Bridge No. 144, near Sairang, which stands at 114 metres - taller than the Qutub Minar - making it the tallest pier railway bridge in the country, according to Northeast Frontier Railway officials.
Hailing the achievement, PM Modi said, “Overcoming difficult terrain and challenges, the skills of our engineers and the spirit of our workers have made this dream possible. For the first time, Mizoram will be directly connected to Delhi by Rajdhani Express.”
Along with the Rajdhani Express, Modi also flagged off two more express trains - Sairang - Guwahati Express and Sairang - Kolkata Express - marking a new era of connectivity for Mizoram.
The Prime Minister emphasized the broader significance of the project, calling the Northeast “India’s growth engine.” He said, “For decades, vote bank politics kept this region neglected. Our government’s approach is different—those once marginalized are now mainstream. With the Act East policy and projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport, Mizoram will connect with the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia, boosting trade and tourism.”
According to the PMO, the railway line will provide safe, efficient, and cost-effective travel, while ensuring timely supply of essential commodities such as food grains and fertilizers. It is expected to reduce travel time, enhance passenger and freight movement, boost tourism, create jobs, and fulfill a long-standing demand of the Mizo public.
Alongside the railway inauguration, PM Modi laid the foundation stones for several key projects across multiple sectors:
• 45-km Aizawl Bypass Road (₹500 crore, under PM-DevINE) to decongest the city and improve connectivity with Lunglei, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Lengpui Airport, and Sairang railway station.
• Thenzawl–Sialsuk Road (under NESIDS) to benefit horticulture farmers, dragon fruit growers, paddy cultivators, and ginger processors.
• Khankawn–Rongura Road in Serchhip district to improve market access and support a planned Ginger Processing Plant.
• Chhimtuipui Bridge on Lawngtlai–Siaha Road, improving connectivity in southern Mizoram.
• Khelo India Multipurpose Indoor Hall to promote sports development.
• LPG Bottling Plant at Mualkhang to strengthen energy infrastructure.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated a residential school at Kawrthah under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) scheme and an Eklavya Model Residential School at Tlangnuam, aimed at expanding access to quality education.
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Despite weather disruptions affecting his itinerary, the Prime Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to Mizoram’s development, saying the projects marked “a new dawn of connectivity, opportunity, and growth for the people of Mizoram and the Northeast.”
