Aizwal: India’s Northeast received a major infrastructure boost on Saturday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rs 8,070-crore Bairabi–Sairang railway line, bringing Mizoram’s capital Aizawl onto the national railway map for the first time.

Calling the project a “lifeline of transformation,” Modi said the 51.38 km stretch, built through some of the country’s toughest terrain with 48 tunnels and 55 bridges, will unlock new opportunities in trade, logistics, and tourism. The line links Mizoram with Assam’s Silchar, creating a direct gateway for businesses to connect with larger domestic and export markets.

The Prime Minister also flagged off Mizoram’s first-ever Rajdhani Express to Delhi, along with new express trains to Guwahati and Kolkata, enhancing connectivity for goods and passengers alike. Sairang station, located just 22 km from Aizawl, is set to emerge as the state’s commercial hub.

“This is not just about passenger travel. The new railway line will strengthen Mizoram’s economy by allowing farmers, entrepreneurs, and industries to access wider markets across the country,” Modi said. He added that improved connectivity would draw fresh investments in transport, hospitality, and allied sectors, generating employment and stimulating regional growth.

Officials said the line will reduce logistics costs, speed up movement of agricultural and horticultural produce, and open new corridors for trade with Southeast Asia under India’s ‘Act East’ policy. It is expected to significantly boost tourism inflows, with improved access to Mizoram’s cultural and natural attractions.

Highlighting the broader vision, Modi said the Northeast has now become “a growth engine of India” with a rising startup ecosystem, improved infrastructure, and greater integration with national and international markets.

For Mizoram, the project marks a historic transition - from geographical isolation to a new phase of economic participation, regional connectivity, and growth.

BI Bureau