Daijiworld Media Network - Aizwal
Aizwal, Sep 13: Aizawl has taken a major leap forward in connectivity and development, becoming the fourth capital city in Northeast India to be linked by rail, following Guwahati, Agartala, and Itanagar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the transformative 51.38-km Bairabi–Sairang railway project, marking a new era of integration for Mizoram. Alongside this, he flagged off three new trains—Sairang–Anand Vihar Rajdhani Express (weekly), Kolkata–Sairang Express (tri-weekly), and Guwahati–Sairang Express (daily)—further strengthening links between Mizoram and key urban hubs.
Developed at a cost of Rs 8,070 crore, the Bairabi–Sairang rail line includes 45 tunnels and 55 major bridges, making it a feat of engineering in challenging terrain. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the significance of this achievement, noting how railway investment in the Northeast has increased fivefold since 2014. Officials expect the new line to dramatically enhance access to healthcare, education, and markets, while also fueling tourism and generating new employment opportunities.
Beyond the rail sector, a slew of infrastructure projects worth over Rs 9,000 crore were unveiled. These include key road upgrades such as the 45-km Aizawl Bypass Road, designed to decongest the capital and cut travel time from southern districts by up to 1.5 hours. Funded under the PM-DevINE scheme, it will also improve connectivity to vital locations like Lunglei, Lengpui Airport, and the new railway station in Sairang.
Other critical road projects launched include the Thenzawl–Sialsuk Road and the Khankawn–Rongura Road under the NESIDS (Roads) initiative. These are expected to directly benefit farmers, especially those growing dragon fruit, ginger, and paddy, by improving market access and boosting agri-based livelihoods. In Serchhip district, the Khankawn–Rongura Road will also support a planned Ginger Processing Plant, adding value to local produce.
Among the highlights was the foundation laying of the Chhimtuipui River Bridge on the Lawngtlai–Siaha Road. This all-weather structure will reduce travel time by two hours and facilitate cross-border trade under the Kaladan Multimodal Transit framework.
In sports and youth development, the Prime Minister laid the foundation of the Khelo India Multipurpose Indoor Hall at Tuikual, offering modern facilities aimed at preparing young athletes for national and international events.
Strengthening the region’s energy infrastructure, a 30 thousand metric tonnes per annum (TMTPA) LPG Bottling Plant will be set up at Mualkhang. This initiative aims to ensure a consistent supply of clean cooking fuel to Mizoram and neighboring states, while also creating job opportunities locally.
Education also received a significant boost. A Residential School under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) scheme was inaugurated in Kawrthah, Mamit district—an aspirational region. Equipped with classrooms, hostels, and even an artificial football turf, the school will serve over 10,000 children. In addition, the Eklavya Model Residential School in Tlangnuam was also inaugurated to provide holistic education and reduce dropout rates among tribal youth.
Altogether, these developments signal a strategic and inclusive push to uplift Mizoram’s connectivity, economy, and quality of life, aligning with the broader vision of integrated growth in the Northeast.