Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Mizoram’s first-ever railway line and flagged off the state’s maiden Rajdhani Express, providing direct connectivity between Aizawl and Delhi.The Rs 80.7 billion Bairabi-Sairang railway line, one of Indian Railways’ most challenging projects, was sanctioned in 2008–09, with construction starting in 2015. Spanning 51 km, the route includes 45 tunnels, 55 major and 87 minor bridges. Notably, Bridge No. 144 near Sairang, at 114 metres, surpasses the height of the Qutub Minar, making it India’s tallest pier railway bridge, according to Northeast Frontier Railway officials.The line also features five road overbridges and six underpasses, connecting Bairabi with four main stations — Hortoki, Kawnpui, Mualkhang, and Sairang. Direct rail connectivity is expected to offer safe, efficient, and cost-effective travel, while improving the supply of food grains, fertilisers, and other essential commodities to the region.Officials highlighted that the new railway line will enhance passenger and freight movement, reduce travel time, promote tourism and employment, and fulfil a long-standing demand of Mizoram’s residents.Due to inclement weather, PM Modi inaugurated the projects from Lengpui Airport rather than travelling to Aizawl. He emphasised the transformative impact of the railway, stating: “This is not just a railway connection, but a lifeline of transformation. It will revolutionise the lives and livelihoods of the people of Mizoram. Farmers and businesses can reach more markets across the nation.”PM Modi also underscored the government’s focus on historically neglected regions, adding, “Mizoram is now playing an important role in India’s development journey.”Alongside the Rajdhani Express, two additional express trains — Sairang–Guwahati and Sairang–Kolkata — were flagged off. The Prime Minister also laid foundation stones for several infrastructure projects, including:Aizawl Bypass Road (45 km, Rs 5 billion) under PM-DevINE to decongest the city and improve connectivityThenzawl-Sialsuk Road under NESIDS to support horticulture and ginger farmersKhankawn-Rongura Road in Serchhip district to boost market access and processing facilitiesChhimtuipui Bridge, Khelo India Multipurpose Indoor Hall, and an LPG bottling plant at MualkhangResidential schools at Kawrthah and Tlangnuam under PMJVK and Eklavya Model schemesThe Bairabi-Sairang railway line and associated infrastructure are set to significantly enhance connectivity, regional development, and economic opportunities in Mizoram.