North-East Is No Longer A Frontier Waiting For Progress But Central To India’s Growth Story, Says PM Narendra Modi

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that the Northeast is no longer a distant frontier awaiting development but has become a key driver of India’s growth.

Taking to X, the Prime Minister’s Office posted, “The North-East is no longer a frontier waiting for progress but is central to India’s growth story. The inauguration of the Bairabi-Sairang railway line marks a historic milestone, connecting Mizoram to the national railway network, opening new doors of trade, connectivity and opportunity.”

PM Praises Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s Article

The Prime Minister also praised an article by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighting the Northeast’s emergence as a frontrunner in the country’s development journey.

The article noted, “For many decades, the North-East was considered a distant frontier, waiting for development. Our brothers and sisters living in northeastern states carried aspirations of progress, but the infrastructure and opportunities they deserved remained out of reach. All this changed when Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the Act East policy. From a distant frontier, the North-East is now recognised as a front-runner.”

“This transformation has been made possible through record investments in railways, roads, airports, and digital connectivity. Peace accords are bringing stability. People are benefiting from government schemes. For the first time since Independence, the northeastern region is seen as central to India’s development story,” it added.

The article further highlighted, “Consider the investments in railways, for instance. The railway budget allocation for the region has increased fivefold compared to the 2009-14. This fiscal year alone, Rs 10,440 crore has been allocated. Total budgetary allocation from 2014 to 2025 is Rs 62,477 crore. Today, railway projects worth Rs 77,000 crore are underway. Never before has the North-East witnessed such record levels of investment.”

“Mizoram is part of this growth story. The state is known for its rich culture, love for sports, and beautiful hills. Yet, for decades, it remained distant from the mainstream of connectivity. Road and air connectivity were limited. Railways had not reached its capital. Aspirations were alive, but the arteries of growth were missing. That is not the case anymore,” the article explained.

Landmark Railway Project Connects Aizawl to National Network

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw added that the inauguration of the Bairabi-Sairang railway line by PM Modi marks a landmark moment for Mizoram.

The 51-kilometre project, constructed at a cost of over Rs 8,000 crore, will for the first time connect Aizawl to the national railway network.

In addition, the Prime Minister will flag off three new train services from:

• Sairang to Delhi (Rajdhani Express),
• Kolkata (Mizoram Express) and
• Guwahati (Aizawl Intercity)

The railway line traverses challenging terrain, with engineers constructing 143 bridges and 45 tunnels.

One bridge exceeds the height of the Qutub Minar.

As with other Himalayan routes, the line alternates between bridges and tunnels to navigate the rugged landscape, the article pointed out.

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