PM Modi in Mizoram & Manipur: Historic Railway Launch, Development Push, and First Visit Since Manipur Violence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Mizoram’s first railway station at Sairang, marking the completion of the ₹8,070 crore Bairabi–Sairang Rail Line, a project that finally connects Aizawl to the Indian Railways network. Despite bad weather preventing him from addressing a rally at Aizawl’s Lammual Ground, PM Modi spoke virtually from Lengpui Airport, describing the day as “historic for Mizoram.”

Mizoram: First Rajdhani Express and New Railway Era

• Historic Connectivity: Until now, Mizoram’s rail link was limited to the Silchar–Bairabi route in Assam. The new 51 km Bairabi–Sairang line brings Aizawl onto the national railway map for the first time.
• Engineering Marvel: The project comprises 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 88 minor bridges, built through challenging hilly terrain.
• Flagged Off Services: PM Modi launched Mizoram’s first Rajdhani Express connecting Sairang to Delhi’s Anand Vihar. Two more services—Sairang–Kolkata Express and Sairang–Guwahati Express—were also inaugurated.
• Boost for Growth: The line is expected to cut transport costs, boost trade, tourism, and generate jobs while integrating Mizoram with India’s mainstream economy.

PM Modi said, “This is not just a railway line, it is a lifeline that will transform lives in Mizoram.”

PM Modi on Vote Bank Politics in Northeast

During his speech, the Prime Minister also touched upon the political neglect of the Northeast in the past:

Manipur Visit: First Since Ethnic Violence

After Mizoram, PM Modi headed to Manipur, making his first visit since the ethnic violence of May 2023, which displaced thousands and led to President’s Rule being imposed in February 2025.

• Churachandpur Visit: Modi is expected to meet internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Churachandpur, a Kuki-majority district.
• Imphal Programmes: In the Meitei-dominated capital, Imphal, he will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for projects worth over ₹3,600 crore, including roads, highways, IT infrastructure, working women’s hostels, and the Ima Markets (the world’s largest all-women-run market).
• Symbolic Visit: His visit to both Kuki and Meitei areas is being seen as a strong message of reconciliation and inclusive development.

PM Modi posted on X:
“I will be attending programmes in Churachandpur and Imphal tomorrow. We are fully committed to inclusive and all-round development of Manipur.”

₹71,000 Crore Push for Northeast

The PM’s three-day tour across five Northeastern states includes projects worth over ₹71,000 crore, spanning railways, highways, power, digital infrastructure, and social development initiatives. Officials call it one of the biggest-ever development drives in the region.

Why This Visit Matters

• First railway connectivity for Mizoram’s capital.
• First Prime Ministerial visit to Manipur since ethnic conflict.
• Strong message of inclusive growth and ending neglect of the Northeast.
• Massive development boost across five states.

This moment marks both a historic leap in connectivity and a politically significant outreach to one of India’s most sensitive regions.