Mizoram CM Lalduhoma says state will transform as it gets its first Rajdhani Express

Mizoram earned a landmark moment on September 13 as the state was added to the country’s railway map with the inauguration of its first railway line and the launch of the maiden Rajdhani Express service connecting Aizawl with New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the service, which Chief Minister Lalduhoma hailed as a transformative step for the state’s future.

“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 while addressing a gathering, according to PTI.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma described the newly built 51.38 km line as both a technical marvel and a symbol of inclusion. “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 closer to the rest of India and India closer to the heart of Mizoram. The 51.38 km stretch includes some of the most difficult terrains in the country,” he noted.

Also read | Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram among happiest states in India; See top 10

Lalduhoma highlighted that PM Modi’s presence in the state is a commitment to the development of 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 for the way you and your colleagues have consistently lent a listening ear to our concerns,” he said.

Acknowledging the spirit of cooperative federalism, Lalduhoma added, “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.”

Also read | How tourism in India’s land of blue mountains will get a boost soon

He hailed the railway board, engineers and local communities for their role in making the project possible, while remembering the workers who lost their lives during the collapse of an under-construction bridge in August 2023. “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,” he said.