Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated development projects totaling over Rs 9,000 crore in #Aizawl, #Mizoram, spanning sectors like Railways, Roadways, and Energy. Due to inclement weather, he addressed the gathering via videoconferencing, expressing his regret for not being able to attend in person.
The Prime Minister highlighted Mizoram’s historical contributions to nation-building and the enduring inspiration drawn from figures like Lalnu Ropuiliani and Pasaltha Khuangchera, emphasizing the Mizo values of sacrifice, service, courage, and compassion.
A significant milestone was the formal inclusion of Aizawl on India’s railway map with the inauguration of the Bairabi–Sairang rail line. This development, achieved despite challenging terrain, will connect Sairang directly to Delhi via the Rajdhani Express, envisioned as a lifeline to transform the lives and livelihoods of Mizoram’s people by improving access to markets, education, healthcare, and generating employment.
Shri Modi criticized past “vote-bank politics” that neglected the North East, contrasting it with the current government’s focus on inclusive development, bringing previously marginalized regions and communities into the mainstream.
He detailed the government’s decade-long efforts to develop the North East, positioning it as India’s growth engine, and emphasized strengthened connectivity across rural roads, highways, mobile/internet services, electricity, tap water, and LPG connections. Mizoram will also benefit from the UDAN scheme for air travel and upcoming helicopter services.
The Prime Minister stressed Mizoram’s pivotal role in the Act East Policy and the North East Economic Corridor, with projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the Sairang–Hmawngbuchhuah rail line set to connect the state to the Bay of Bengal via Southeast Asia, thereby boosting trade and tourism.
Empowering Mizoram’s youth is a government priority, with 11 Eklavya Residential Schools established and plans for six more. The North East is emerging as a start-up hub, with Mizoram’s youth actively participating. In sports, Mizoram’s tradition of producing champions is being supported through government policies and the Khelo India scheme, focusing on modern infrastructure and a new National Sports Policy.
Shri Modi also highlighted efforts to promote North East culture and potential, citing events like the Ashta Lakshmi Festival and the Rising North East Summit to attract investment. The “Vocal for Local” initiative supports artisans and farmers, promoting Mizoram’s bamboo products, organic ginger, turmeric, and bananas.
Finally, the Prime Minister discussed “Ease of Living” and “Ease of Doing Business” reforms, including next-generation GST reforms that have lowered taxes on essential items, medicines, and healthcare services, making them more affordable and improving access. He noted that cement and construction materials will also become cheaper, with companies already reducing prices for scooters and cars.
