Northeast Emerging As A Front-Runner: PM Modi In Mizoram

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday remarked that the Northeast, once seen as remote, is now positioning itself as a frontrunner in India’s growth path.

Speaking in Aizawl, he called the region the ‘engine of India’s progress’, pointing to the remarkable changes witnessed in the last 11 years.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the 51.38-km Bairabi-Sairang railway line, which for the first time brings Mizoram’s capital directly onto the railway map. He also flagged off three new trains that will connect Aizawl with Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati.

Along with this, PM Modi rolled out projects worth ₹9,000 crore. He stressed the government’s aim: stronger roads, economy and bond between Northeast and India.

Connectivity and the Act East Push

Describing it as a symbol of hope, the Prime Minister said the Kaladan Project with Myanmar will open sea pathways for the Northeast, fueling jobs, trade, and visitors.

He added that this connectivity would also bring the region closer to Southeast Asian nations, which fits into India’s Act East Policy.

“Once treated as just a borderland, the region today has risen to guide the nation forward,” PM Modi shared.

The Prime Minister criticised previous administrations, accusing them of sidelining the Northeast in pursuit of electoral gains through vote-bank politics.

“That approach kept the region backwards. Our government is focused on peace, development, and stability,” he said.

PM Modi pointed out that road, rail, air, and waterway links have expanded rapidly in the region and will continue to grow.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the benefits of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN). He announced that helicopter services from Aizawl would soon begin to link remote areas of Mizoram.

On the sporting front, he said India is becoming a global hub, and the Khelo India policy would create new opportunities for youth.

“Mizoram, which has given India many talented players, will also benefit greatly from these initiatives,” he added.

PM Modi highlighted the region’s growing start-up culture, noting that more than 4,000 start-ups and several incubators are active across the Northeast.

“Young people from Mizoram are also contributing to this journey,” he said.

He referred to the Ashtalakshmi Festival in New Delhi, where all eight Northeastern states displayed textiles, crafts, horticulture and agricultural produce, along with their tourism potential.

At the Rising Northeast Investor Summit, also held in Delhi, investors showed interest in the region.

PM Modi pointed out that Mizoram’s bamboo, organic ginger, turmeric, and other crops could become strong sources of income and prosperity for the state.

Economic Relief and National Security

Turning to reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said GST brought relief to common people by reducing taxes on many essential goods. He criticised the Congress for having taxed medicines and insurance heavily, which, he said, created hardship for ordinary families.

He also spoke about national security, citing ‘Operation Sindoor’, where India’s armed forces struck back against terrorists.

According to him, the operation proved the strength of Indian soldiers and the effectiveness of indigenous weapons. He reminded the crowd that India today stands as the fastest-growing major economy in the world.

Saturday’s visit was PM Modi’s second trip to Mizoram since he became Prime Minister in 2014.

From Aizawl, he flew to Manipur, where he was scheduled to inaugurate and launch 31 projects worth around ₹8,500 crore in Churachandpur and Imphal.

Also Read: Lifeline Of Transformation, Says PM Modi On Bairabi–Sairang Rail Project