Mizoram gets its first Rajdhani Express, linking Sairang to Delhi in under 18 hours via Guwahati and Patna. Alongside rail, Modi unveiled a ₹9,000-crore package covering roads, energy, and sports to boost Mizoram’s growth.
BY PC Bureau
Aizawl, September 13, 2025 – In a historic push for connectivity and growth in the Northeast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Bairabi–Sairang New Rail Line and unveiled development projects worth over ₹9,000 crore in Aizawl, Mizoram’s capital.
The highlight was the formal commissioning of the ₹8,070 crore rail line, which brings Aizawl onto the Indian Railways map for the first time. “From today, Aizawl will be connected directly with the rest of India,” PM Modi declared at a public ceremony in Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, calling it a “historic day for Mizoram and the nation.”
The Prime Minister went onto add, ” A few years ago, I had the opportunity of laying the foundation stone for the Aizawl railway line and today, we proudly dedicate it to the people of the nation. Overcoming many challenges, including difficult terrain, this Bairabi-Sairang railway line has become a reality. The skills of our engineers and the spirit of our workers made this possible. Our hearts have always been directly connected to each other. For the first time, Sairang in Mizoram will be connected directly with Delhi by the Rajdhani Express.”
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The Prime Minister said this was not just a railway connection, but it is a lifeline of transformation. ” It will revolutionise the lives and livelihoods of the people of Mizoram. Farmers and businesses of Mizoram can reach more markets across the nation. People will be able to access more options for education and healthcare. This will also create employment opportunities in tourism, transport and hospitality sectors,” Modi said.
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, ‘Whether it is the freedom movement or nation-building, the people of Mizoram have always stepped forward to contribute… Sacrifice and service, courage and compassion — these values are at the heart of Mizo society. Today, Mizoram is… pic.twitter.com/CLTxcrnpUx
— DD News (@DDNewslive) September 13, 2025
Taking a pot-shot at the Congress, Modi said, #WATCH | Mizoram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “For a long time, some political parties in our country have practised vote bank politics. Their focus was always on places that had more votes and seats. The entire Northeast, including states like Mizoram, suffered greatly because of this attitude. But our approach is very different. Those who were earlier neglected are at the forefront now. Those who were once marginalised are the mainstream now…”
The 51.38-km Bairabi–Sairang line, executed by the Northeast Frontier Railway, cuts through rugged hills and forests, featuring 142 bridges, 23 tunnels, and four new stations—Hortoki, Kawnpui, Mualkhang, and Sairang. The project, sanctioned in 2008 at an initial cost of ₹2,384 crore, was completed ahead of schedule despite delays and landslides, with its final cost rising to ₹8,070 crore.
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Passenger trains will now operate at speeds up to 100 kmph, slashing the seven-hour road journey between Bairabi and Sairang to just three.
Mizoram’s First Rajdhani
In a ceremonial flag-off at Sairang station, PM Modi launched three new long-distance express trains:
Sairang–Delhi Anand Vihar Rajdhani Express – Mizoram’s first Rajdhani, connecting the state to the national capital in under 18 hours.
Sairang–Guwahati Express – A daily service linking Mizoram with Assam’s hub in 10 hours.
Sairang–Kolkata Superfast Express – A thrice-weekly train opening trade and cultural routes to Bengal’s capital.
He also flagged off the Aizawl–Agartala Intercity Express, weaving Mizoram more tightly into the Northeast’s transport network.
NFR officials noted the project could pave the way for future extensions, including a 223-km line to Zorinpui on the India–Myanmar border under the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.
Beyond Rail: ₹9,000-Crore Package
The Prime Minister also laid foundation stones for a host of road, energy, and sports projects. These include:
Roadways: Aizawl Bypass, Thenzawl–Sialsuk Road, and Khankawn–Rongura Road.
Energy: Power and renewable energy schemes for remote villages.
Sports: Upgradation of local facilities to nurture youth talent.
Officials said the projects would boost Mizoram’s economy by lowering transport costs, expanding tourism, and improving access to markets.
Optimism and Symbolism
Thousands turned out to witness the ceremony, with cultural troupes performing traditional dances. Local students and traders hailed the railway as a “bridge to the world.”
Governor and former Union Minister Gen (Retd.) V.K. Singh called it “an ambitious project that fulfills the aspirations of the Mizo people.”
PM Modi praised Mizoram’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle and nation-building, adding: “This project embodies the spirit of unity, resilience, and progress.”
A New Chapter
The rail link, 17 years in the making, overcame landslides, monsoons, and treacherous geology. With Mizoram now the fourth northeastern capital connected by rail—after Guwahati, Agartala, and Itanagar—the state is poised to tap new opportunities in eco-tourism, horticulture, and trade.
As the first Rajdhani train rolled out from Sairang amid cheers, the moment was seen as a turning point for Mizoram—where hills and valleys now echo with the promise of motion and growth.
