Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated development works worth over Rs 9000 crore in Aizawl, Mizoram. These projects will cater to multiple sectors including Railways, Roadways, Energy, Sports among others.
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.
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.
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.
Under the Khelo India scheme, Shri Modi stated that support is being provided for the creation of modern sports infrastructure. He informed that the government has recently introduced a National Sports Policy Khelo India Khel Niti. He stressed that this initiative will open new doors of opportunity for the youth of Mizoram.
The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to the welfare of every citizen, every family, and every region. He stated that a developed India will be built through the empowerment of its people and expressed confidence that the people of Mizoram will play a vital role in this journey. He extended heartfelt congratulations and welcomed Aizawl to India’s railway map.
Background
- Prime Minister inaugurated the Bairabi-Sairang New Rail line, worth over Rs 8,070 crore, connecting the capital of Mizoram to the Indian Railways network for the first time. The Rail line Project, built in a challenging hilly area, has 45 tunnels constructed under complex geological conditions. Additionally, it also includes 55 major bridges and 88 minor bridges.
- Prime Minister also flagged off three new express trains, Sairang (Aizawl)-Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Rajdhani express,Sairang-Guwahati Express and Sairang-Kolkata Express on this occasion.
- In a major boost to road infrastructure, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of multiple road projects. It includes Aizawl Bypass Road, Thenzawl–Sialsuk Road and Khankawn–Rongura Road.The 45 km Aizawl Bypass Road, worth over Rs 500 crore, under Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) scheme will aim to decongest Aizawl city, improve connectivity to Lunglei, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Lengpui Airport, and Sairang Railway Station among others.
- Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of Chhimtuipui River Bridge on the Lawngtlai–Siaha Road. It will provide all-weather connectivity and reduce travel time by two hours. The bridge will also support cross-border commerce under the Kaladan Multimodal Transit framework.
- Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Khelo India Multipurpose Indoor Hall for Sports Development. The hall at Tuikual will provide modern sports facilities including a multipurpose indoor arena benefitting and nurturing Mizoram’s youth for national and international competitions.
- Strengthening the energy infrastructure in the region, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of 30 TMTPA (thousand metric tons per annum) LPG Bottling Plant at Mualkhang in Aizawl.
- Prime Minister also inaugurated Residential School at Kawrthah under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) scheme. The school in Mamit aspirational district will provide modern classrooms, hostels, and sports facilities including an artificial football turf. It will benefit over 10,000 children and youth, laying the foundation for long-term social and educational progress.
- Furthering his vision of quality education for all, Prime Minister also inaugurated Eklavya Model Residential School at Tlangnuam.
