Shailesh Srivastava – New Delhi
North East is becoming the growth engine of India: PM
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated development works worth over Rs 9000 crore in Aizawl, Mizoram today. These projects will cater to multiple sectors including Railways, Roadways, Energy, Sports among others. Addressing the gathering via videoconferencing, the Prime Minister bowed to Supreme God Pathian, who watches over the beautiful land of the Blue Mountains. Expressing regret, he stated that he was present at Mizoram’s Lengpui Airport and was unable to join the people at Aizawl due to bad weather. Despite the circumstances, the Prime Minister remarked that he could feel the love and affection of the people even through this medium.
Highlighting that whether it was the freedom movement or nation-building, Shri Modi said the people of Mizoram have always come forward to contribute. He remarked that the ideals of figures such as Lalnu Ropuiliani and Pasaltha Khuangchera continue to inspire the nation. Shri Modi emphasized that sacrifice and service, courage and compassion, are values deeply embedded in Mizo society. “Today, Mizoram is playing an important role in India’s development journey”, stated the Prime Minister.
Describing the day as historic for the nation, particularly for the people of Mizoram, Shri Modi said, “from today, Aizawl will be on India’s railway map”. Recalling the past, the Prime Minister noted that he had the opportunity to lay the foundation stone for the Aizawl railway line a few years ago. He proudly dedicated the railway line to the people of the nation. Shri Modi underlined that despite many challenges, including difficult terrain, the Bairabi–Sairang rail line has now become a reality. He commended the skills of engineers and the spirit of workers, stating that their efforts made this achievement possible.
Affirming that the hearts of the people and the nation have always been directly connected, the Prime Minister announced that for the first time, Sairang in Mizoram will be directly connected with Delhi by the Rajdhani Express. He emphasized that this is not merely a railway connection, but a life-line of transformation and it will revolutionize the lives and livelihoods of the people of Mizoram. Shri Modi highlighted that farmers and businesses in Mizoram will now be able to reach more markets across the nation. He noted that people will gain access to more options for education and healthcare. The Prime Minister added that this development will also generate employment opportunities in tourism, transport, and hospitality sectors.
The Prime Minister stated that for a long time, some political parties in the country practiced vote-bank politics. He remarked that their focus remained on places with more votes and seats. As a result, the entire North East, including states like Mizoram, suffered greatly due to this attitude. Shri Modi emphasized that the current approach is very different and those who were earlier neglected are now at the forefront. He added that those who were once marginalised are now part of the mainstream. The Prime Minister noted that for the past 11 years, the government has been working consistently for the development of the North East. He affirmed that this region is becoming the growth engine of India.
Underscoring that over the years, many states of the North East have been placed on the rail map of India for the first time, the Prime Minister highlighted that the Government of India has worked diligently to strengthen all forms of connectivity—rural roads and highways, mobile and internet connections, electricity, tap water, and LPG connections. He also announced that Mizoram will also benefit from the UDAN scheme for air travel and informed that helicopter services will commence soon in the region. This, he remarked, will significantly improve access to remote areas of Mizoram.
“Mizoram has a major role in both the Act East Policy and the emerging North East Economic Corridor”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He stated that with the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the Sairang–Hmawngbuchhuah rail line, Mizoram will be connected to the Bay of Bengal through South East Asia. He further emphasized that this connectivity will boost trade and tourism across North East India and South East Asia.
Underlining that Mizoram is blessed with talented youth, Shri Modi emphasized that the government’s mission is to empower them. He informed that 11 Eklavya Residential Schools have already been established in Mizoram and work is underway to start 6 more schools. The Prime Minister highlighted that the North East is emerging as a major hub for start-ups. He expressed happiness that around 4,500 start-ups and 25 incubators are currently operating in the region. He remarked that young people of Mizoram are actively participating in this movement and creating new opportunities for themselves and others.
A landmark day for Mizoram as it joins India’s railway map! Key infrastructure projects are also being initiated. Speaking at a programme in Aizawl. https://t.co/MxM6c2WZHZ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 13, 2025