AIZAWL: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the Northeast, which had previously suffered due to ‘vote bank’ politics, has now emerged as a growth engine of the country thanks to the BJP-led government’s efforts over the past 11 years.
Speaking virtually from Lengpui Airport due to heavy rain preventing him from reaching Lammual Ground in Aizawl, Modi launched projects worth Rs 9,000 crore in Mizoram.
He highlighted Mizoram’s key role in the Centre’s ‘Act East’ policy, noting that the Kaladan multimodal transit project and new railway lines will enhance connectivity with Southeast Asia.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Bairabi-Sairang railway line, marking a historic moment as Mizoram joins the national railway network. He said the project, completed despite challenging terrain, would transform life in the state by connecting Aizawl with major metropolitan cities.
“Enhanced connectivity will strengthen educational, cultural, and economic ties across the Northeast, create jobs, and boost tourism. Those previously neglected are now at the forefront, and the marginalised are now in the mainstream,” Modi said.
He praised Mizoram’s contributions to India, from the freedom struggle to nation-building, and said the National Sports Policy would open new opportunities for the state’s athletes.
Highlighting the region’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, he noted that the Northeast now hosts 4,500 startups and 25 incubators.
On economic reforms, Modi said new GST rates have lowered taxes on many products, making medicines—especially for diseases like cancer—more affordable and reducing vehicle prices. He added that under Congress rule, healthcare was heavily taxed, but today it is more accessible.
The Prime Minister also cited India’s 7.8% GDP growth in Q1 of 2025-26, the fastest among major global economies, and praised soldiers for their success in Operation Sindoor, noting that ‘Made in India’ weapons played a significant role.
