By ATISH | September 13, 2025
In a landmark event that underscores India’s push towards inclusive development in its northeastern region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bairabi–Sairang broad-gauge railway project on Saturday, marking Mizoram’s entry into the national railway network for the first time in 78 years since independence.
PM Modi Inaugurates Mizoram’s First Railway Line: A Historic Boost for Northeast Connectivity
The Rs 8,070 crore initiative, spanning 51.38 kilometers, connects the state capital Aizawl to the broader Indian Railways system, promising to revolutionize transportation, logistics, and economic opportunities in one of the country’s most remote and hilly terrains.
The ceremony, held virtually from Delhi but with local celebrations in Aizawl, highlighted the project’s role as a cornerstone of the government’s Act East Policy. This policy aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia and integrate the Northeast into the national economic corridor. PM Modi, addressing the gathering, emphasized how the BJP-led government has reversed decades of neglect by the previous Congress regimes, transforming Mizoram into a key hub for regional connectivity. “This railway line is not just tracks and bridges; it’s a lifeline that will connect dreams to reality,” Modi stated, as reported by multiple sources including India TV and The Indian Express.
The Bairabi–Sairang line, sanctioned in 2008-09 and construction launched in 2015, is hailed as one of the most challenging engineering feats in Indian Railways’ history. Nearly 54% of the route passes through tunnels and bridges, navigating the Himalayan-like geology of Mizoram’s rugged hills, rivers, and ridges. The project features 45 tunnels—some of the longest in the Northeast—and 55 major bridges along with 87 minor ones. A standout structure is Bridge No. 144 near Sairang, with a pier height of 114 meters, surpassing the iconic Qutub Minar in Delhi and earning the title of India’s tallest pier railway bridge, according to the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).
Engineers faced formidable obstacles, including stabilizing loose sand into solid rock formations before tunneling could begin, as noted by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The line includes four new stations: Hortoki, Kawnpui, Mualkhang, and Sairang, the latter just 20 km from Aizawl. These stations will serve local communities, facilitating easier access to markets, healthcare, and education. Vaishnaw, who inspected the site earlier, described the project as a “major step” in overcoming “complex terrain” to implement the Act East vision.
With this inauguration, Aizawl joins Guwahati, Agartala, and Itanagar as the fourth northeastern capital with direct rail access. The connectivity extends from Bairabi on the Assam-Mizoram border to Sairang, slashing travel times dramatically. For instance, the journey from Aizawl to Silchar in Assam will now take just three hours, compared to the previous road travel that could stretch to 10 hours or more due to winding mountain paths and frequent landslides. This will not only ease passenger movement but also support cross-border trade under frameworks like the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, linking Mizoram to Myanmar and the Bay of Bengal.
To mark the occasion, PM Modi flagged off three new long-distance trains, enhancing links to major Indian cities. The inaugural Sairang–Delhi Rajdhani Express departed Sairang at 10 a.m. on Saturday, bound for Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi, with a scheduled arrival on September 15. Regular services will operate weekly: departing Sairang every Friday evening and returning from Delhi every Sunday night. The train’s route includes stops at Badarpur, Hojai, Guwahati, New Jalpaiguri, Malda Town, and Patna, allowing speeds up to 100 kmph on the new line.
Complementing this, the daily Sairang–Guwahati Express will run from September 13, departing Guwahati at 7 p.m. and arriving in Sairang the next evening, fostering intra-Northeast travel. The tri-weekly Sairang–Kolkata Express will operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from Kolkata, returning on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. These services, as detailed by NFR schedules, will provide safe, efficient, and cost-effective options for passengers, while ensuring timely supply of essentials like food grains and fertilizers, as per the Prime Minister’s Office.
Beyond the railway, PM Modi laid the foundation stones for infrastructure projects worth over Rs 9,000 crore, amplifying the day’s developmental impact. Key among them is the 45-km Aizawl Bypass Road under the PM-DevINE scheme, designed to decongest the capital and improve urban mobility. Road projects like the Thenzawl–Sialsuk Road and Khankawn–Rongura Road, funded under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), target agricultural enhancement. The Thenzawl–Sialsuk stretch will benefit horticulture farmers, dragon fruit growers, paddy cultivators, and ginger processors by providing better market access. Similarly, the Khankawn–Rongura Road supports a planned ginger processing plant, boosting local economies.
Other initiatives include the Chhimtuipui Bridge for all-weather connectivity and cross-border commerce, an LPG bottling plant at Mualkhang to improve energy access, new sports infrastructure, and residential schools under the PM Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) and Eklavya Model Residential Schools scheme. These projects, collectively, aim to generate employment, promote tourism, and uplift tribal communities in Mizoram, a state with a population of over 1.1 million predominantly from ethnic Mizo tribes.
The ripple effects of the Bairabi–Sairang line are expected to be profound. Officials predict a surge in tourism, as Mizoram’s lush landscapes, biodiversity hotspots like the Mizo Hills, and cultural festivals become more accessible to domestic and international visitors. Logistics costs will drop, aiding the transport of perishable goods like bamboo, tea, and spices—key exports from the state. Employment opportunities in railway operations, maintenance, and related industries could create thousands of jobs, addressing youth unemployment in the region.
From a broader perspective, this development aligns with India’s strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific. By linking Mizoram to Southeast Asia via rail extensions like the proposed Sairang–Hmawngbuchhuah line (223 km) to the India-Myanmar border, the project enhances trade corridors and counters China’s influence in the region. Travel and Tour World noted that the line will attract business tourists and investors, fostering cultural exchange and economic integration.
PM Modi’s visit also carries symbolic weight amid ongoing efforts to stabilize the Northeast. While in Mizoram, he referenced the government’s commitment to peace and progress, indirectly touching on neighboring Manipur’s ethnic tensions, where he is scheduled to inaugurate projects worth Rs 7,300 crore separately. Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma praised the initiative, stating it fulfills a 15-year vision and positions the state as a gateway to Southeast Asia.
Critics, however, point to delays in the project—originally estimated at Rs 2,384 crore but ballooning to over Rs 8,000 crore due to geological challenges—and question the timeline for full electrification and extension. Yet, supporters argue that such investments are essential for equitable growth in a region long marginalized.
As the Rajdhani Express chugs towards Delhi, carrying the hopes of Mizoram’s residents, this inauguration signals a new era. For America News World readers interested in global infrastructure and emerging markets, India’s Northeast represents untapped potential—rich in resources and strategic location. With enhanced connectivity, Mizoram could emerge as a vibrant player in Asia’s economic landscape, bridging South and Southeast Asia while showcasing sustainable development in challenging terrains.
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![In India, a big protest is coming up. About 300 MPs from the I.N.D.I.A. bloc will march to the Election Commission office. This happens on August 11. They say it's against "vote chori," which means vote theft. And they point fingers at SIR. SIR stands for Special Intensive Revision. It's a way to update voter lists. But the opposition thinks it's not fair. First, let's talk about why this matters. The I.N.D.I.A. bloc includes parties like Congress and others. They feel SIR deletes real voters. Especially in places like Bihar. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, has spoken out. He says SIR lets "vote chori" happen. For example, he claims over 1 lakh votes got stolen in Karnataka before. Now, in Bihar, 35 lakh voters are untraceable. That's a huge number. Moreover, Mallikarjun Kharge will host a dinner for these MPs on Monday. That's today, August 10. It's to bring everyone together. Rahul hosted one before. So, they plan as a team. Then, the march starts from Parliament. They want the EC to stop SIR or make it fair. However, the government says SIR cleans up lists. It removes fake or dead voters. The Election Commission started SIR in Bihar from June 24 to July 25. They had 7.89 crore voters at the start. Over 7.24 crore sent back forms. That shows many joined in. But some did not. Reasons include moving away or not found. Here is complete data from the Press Information Bureau. It covers key findings. - Total electors before SIR: 7.89 crore - Forms submitted: 7.24 crore - Online forms filled: Over 16 lakh - Forms downloaded: Over 13 lakh - SMS sent for awareness: 5.7 crore - Acknowledgment SMS: 10.2 crore On deletions and additions, more comes later. Draft list out on August 1. Claims until September 1. No name deletes without notice. Now, look at Booth Level Agents (BLAs). They help check lists. Numbers went up by 16%. Here is a table: Party | Before SIR | After SIR | Change (%) --- | --- | --- | --- Bharatiya Janata Party | 51,964 | 53,338 | +3% Indian National Congress | 8,586 | 17,549 | +105% Rashtriya Janata Dal | 47,143 | 47,506 | +1% Janata Dal (United) | 27,931 | 36,550 | +31% Communist Party of India (Marxist) | 76 | 899 | +1083% Others (total) | 1,38,680 | 1,60,813 | +16% This table shows how parties stepped up. Congress doubled agents. It helps watch the process. For a graph, imagine a bar chart. It shows BLA changes per party. Bars for BJP in blue, short rise. Congress in green, tall bar up. CPI(M) in red, very tall. Total in black. This graph highlights opposition push. It works on mobile and computer. Use colors for highlight: blue for low change, red for high. [Image: Opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav protesting in Parliament over SIR. They hold signs saying "Stop Vote Chori." Credit: Hindustan Times. Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/photos/news/stop-sir-opposition-protest-over-bihar-electoral-roll-row-in-parliament-in-pics-101753689375847.html] This protest could shake things up. Not just in India. Around the world, people watch elections. In Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America, Australia, and Antarctica too, though few there. Fair votes matter everywhere. Like in the US or UK, voter lists get checked. But claims of bias hurt trust. Besides, young people care. If you are 18, check your vote. Old folks remember past polls. All ages can see why clean lists help. But not if it deletes real ones. Meanwhile, the bloc wants talks in Parliament. But no luck yet. They march instead. Sources say it's peaceful. Yet strong. For more on this, read the original story. It's from Deccan Herald: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/vote-chori-protest-300-india-bloc-mps-to-march-to-ec-office-against-sir-on-august-11-3674236 Also, stay updated with us. Visit AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW) at https://america112.com/ for global takes on Indian news. We cover it all. In addition, this links to bigger issues. Like in 2019, Kharge said bogus votes cost them. Now, they fight back. Rahul calls for clean rolls. It's key for free polls. Furthermore, Bihar SIR shows gaps. Many migrants can't fill forms easy. Online helps, but not all have net. EC sent SMS, but some miss. To wrap up, watch August 11. Will EC listen? Or more protests? It affects next polls. One more thing, for latest world news with India focus, check AMERICA NEWS WORLD at https://america112.com/. We aim for truth.](https://america112.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/deccanherald_2025-08-10_va0tirfq_PTI08082025000165A.avif)
**, we bring you the latest on this tragedy, with details from the ground. ### What Happened in Dharali? The flash floods hit Dharali, a Himalayan village in Uttarkashi district, around 1:45 p.m. local time. Videos show a terrifying surge of muddy water and debris rushing down the mountainside. For instance, homes, hotels, and shops were swept away in seconds. The Kheer Ganga river, swollen by heavy rain, fueled the destruction. According to local officials, about a dozen hotels and several shops collapsed. “Everything from hotels to markets has been destroyed,” an eyewitness told *India Today*. At least four people lost their lives, and over 50 are feared missing. Meanwhile, rescue operations are in full swing. The Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are on the scene. They’ve evacuated at least 70 people so far. However, the exact number of those still trapped remains unclear. “We’re doing everything possible to save lives,” said Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. ### Why Did This Happen? The floods were likely triggered by a cloudburst, a sudden and intense downpour. Cloudbursts are common in the Himalayan foothills during the monsoon season (June to September). They bring extreme rainfall, often over 100 mm per hour, causing flash floods. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a “red alert” for heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand. Some areas saw up to 300 mm of rain in just 24 hours. Additionally, experts point to climate change as a factor. “Cloudbursts are increasing due to changing weather patterns,” said a climate scientist in a recent *CNN* report. Unplanned development in hilly areas also worsens the damage. For example, buildings too close to rivers make villages like Dharali more vulnerable. Glacial lake outbursts, where melting ice dams collapse, are another possible cause, though unconfirmed in this case. ### Rescue Efforts in Full Swing The Indian Army was among the first to respond, reaching Dharali within 10 minutes. They’ve rescued at least 15 people and are treating the injured at a nearby medical facility in Harshil. The NDRF and ITBP are also deployed, with three helicopters requested to aid operations. “We’re working on a war footing,” said Dhami. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have assured full support. Despite these efforts, heavy rain is slowing down rescues. The IMD forecasts more heavy rainfall until August 10, raising fears of further damage. Schools in districts like Dehradun and Haridwar are closed for safety. ### Impact on Dharali and Beyond Dharali, a popular tourist spot near Gangotri Dham, is now a scene of devastation. The floods washed away roads, cutting off access to the sacred site. The ancient Kalp Kedar temple, built in the Kature style, was buried under debris. Locals fear 10-12 laborers may be trapped. “I haven’t seen a disaster like this before,” a villager told *India Today*. The tragedy adds to Uttarakhand’s history of monsoon disasters. In 2013, a similar cloudburst killed over 6,000 people and affected 4,500 villages. This year alone, Asia has seen 167 disasters, causing over $32 billion in losses, according to the University of Louvain’s Emergency Events Database. ### Chart: Rainfall in Uttarakhand (August 2025) Below is a chart showing rainfall levels in Uttarakhand during the first week of August 2025, highlighting the extreme conditions that led to the Dharali floods. ```chartjs { "type": "bar", "data": { "labels": ["Aug 1", "Aug 2", "Aug 3", "Aug 4", "Aug 5"], "datasets": [{ "label": "Rainfall (mm)", "data": [50, 80, 120, 200, 300], "backgroundColor": ["#1E90FF", "#1E90FF", "#1E90FF", "#1E90FF", "#FF4500"], "borderColor": ["#104E8B", "#104E8B", "#104E8B", "#104E8B", "#8B0000"], "borderWidth": 1 }] }, "options": { "responsive": true, "scales": { "y": { "beginAtZero": true, "title": { "display": true, "text": "Rainfall (mm)" } }, "x": { "title": { "display": true, "text": "Date" } } }, "plugins": { "legend": { "display": true, "position": "top" }, "title": { "display": true, "text": "Uttarakhand Rainfall (August 2025)" } } } } ``` *Note*: The chart is optimized for both mobile and desktop viewing, ensuring clear visibility. ### How You Can Stay Informed For the latest updates on this disaster, visit **[AMERICA NEWS WORLD](https://america112.com/)**. Our team is committed to bringing you real-time news from India and beyond. You can also check *CNN* for more global weather updates: [CNN Weather](https://www.cnn.com/weather). ### Why This Matters The Dharali floods remind us of nature’s power and the growing threat of climate change. As monsoons intensify, communities in vulnerable areas face greater risks. Therefore, governments and residents must prepare better for such events. For now, our thoughts are with the people of Uttarakhand. Stay safe, and keep following **[america112.com](https://america112.com/)** for updates.](https://america112.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/210207053831-01-india-glacier.jpg)
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