Mizoram has taken its first step onto India’s railway map with the inauguration of its maiden line and Rajdhani Express service, an event Chief Minister Lalduhoma described as a turning point in the state’s modern journey.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off the Rajdhani Express from Aizawl to Delhi and inaugurated the 51.38 km railway line that has cut through some of the country’s toughest terrain.
“Today is a historic day for our state. It marks a new chapter in our journey towards progress....The railway projects are not just infrastructure; they are investments in our children's future, in the dignity of our citizens and in the economic resilience of our state. The impact of these projects will be far-reaching, bridging dreams and reality between Mizoram and Bharat,” Lalduhoma said, addressing a public gathering.
The chief minister hailed the line as a “technical marvel” and a symbol of national integration. “This railway line is more than a feat of engineering, it is a symbol of inclusion, national integration and of the shared aspirations of our people. It brings Mizoram closure to the rest of India and India closure to the heart of Mizoram. The 51.38 km stretch includes some of the most difficult terrains in the country,” he asserted.
Also read: PM Modi inaugurates Mizoram’s first railway line project
Lalduhoma underlined the significance of the Prime Minister’s presence, calling it a powerful symbol of commitment to the North East. “We are grateful for the inauguration of several other key projects that touched the hearts of our communities....We are proud to have worked closely with the Central government to bring this development to life ....We place on record our sincere appreciation not only for the projects but also for the way you and your colleagues have consistently lent a listening ear to our concerns,” he remarked.
The chief minister added that Modi’s approach had reinforced faith in cooperative federalism. “Your willingness to understand our hearts has not gone unnoticed. It has strengthened our trust in cooperative federalism. Mizoram values this partnership built on empathy, responsiveness and mutual respect, and we look forward to nurturing it further in the years ahead,” he emphasised.
He further noted that the Prime Minister’s guiding principle of Sabka Sath, Sabka Viswas would result in “a stronger and more connected Mizoram”. The chief minister commended the railway board, engineers and local communities for making the projects possible, saying they had built “a lifeline for Mizoram”.
Paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the collapse of an under-construction bridge in August 2023, Lalduhoma said, “They did not just build bridges and tunnels. They laid down their lives in the service of a vision larger than themselves. We offer deepest condolences to their families.”
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