Heavy rains lash Mizoram, PM Modi inaugurates Rs 9,000-crore projects virtually

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development works worth over Rs 9,000 crore in Mizoram, addressing the gathering virtually after heavy rains prevented him from reaching the venue in Aizawl.

PM Modi, who was present at Lengpui Airport, addressed the gathering via videoconferencing. Among those present at the venue were Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, Governor VK Singh and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Despite the circumstances, PM Modi remarked that he could still feel the love and affection of the people of Mizoram through the virtual interaction.

He inaugurated the Bairabi-Sairang line, which fully integrated the landlocked northeastern state with the railway network of the country.

Modi underlined that despite many challenges, including difficult terrain, the Bairabi–Sairang rail line has now become a reality.

He commended the engineers and workers for completing the project despite many challenges, including difficult terrain.

The Prime Minister also announced that for the first time, Sairang in Mizoram will be connected directly to Delhi by the Rajdhani Express.

He emphasised that this is not merely a railway connection, but a lifeline of transformation, and it will revolutionise the lives and livelihoods of the people in the state.

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 Northeast, including states like Mizoram, suffered greatly due to this attitude, the Prime Minister claimed.

Modi emphasised 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.

In a major boost to road infrastructure, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for multiple road projects, including Aizawl Bypass Road, Thenzawl–Sialsuk Road and Khankawn–Rongura Road.

He also laid the foundation stone of Chhimtuipui River Bridge on the Lawngtlai–Siaha Road, which is expected to 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.

Additionally, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for a 30 TMTPA (thousand metric tons per annum) LPG Bottling Plant at Mualkhang in Aizawl.