India, Oct. 12 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, today inaugurated development projects and laid foundation stones of new initiatives worth Rs.331 crore, in Mizoram.Shri Scindia is on two-day visit of Mizoram.
Upon his arrival in Aizwal, the Union Minister proceeded to Tuivamit and inaugurated five project worth Rs.102 Crore. Union Minister also laid foundation stone of five projects of Rs.228.54 crore. Projects cover critical sectors including road connectivity, power transmission, water supply, healthcare, education, sports and cultural infrastructure.
Addressing the gathering in the presence of Mizoram Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma and other dignitaries, Union Minister Scindia said that the development initiatives reflected the Government of India's commitment to transforming connectivity into economic opportunities and improving the quality of life across Mizoram.
Describing Mizoram as a land of majestic mountains and even greater aspirations, the Union Minister said, "Geography may shape the landscape. It must never shape the limits of the people."
He emphasised that the occasion was not merely about inaugurating infrastructure or laying foundation stones, but about creating opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, young people and communities across the state.
Northeast Emerging as an Engine of India's Growth---
Highlighting the growing economic significance of the North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said that while India is recording economic growth of around 7-7.5%, the Northeast is increasingly emerging as a major contributor to the country's growth trajectory.
He observed that it would not be an exaggeration to describe the North Eastern Region as an engine driving India's development forward.
The Union Minister noted that this was his 35th visit to the North Eastern Region and said that every visit strengthened his commitment to the development of the eight Ashtalakshmi states.
"Every time I come here, I go back recharged and with a renewed commitment towards the Ashtalakshmi states," he said.
Referring to his longstanding association with Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma, Shri Scindia fondly recalled the close relationship between the Chief Minister and his late father. In a lighter moment, he remarked that he represented the second generation of that relationship and appreciated the Chief Minister's youthful energy and enthusiasm.
Shri Scindia also highlighted the region's extraordinary natural beauty and ecological wealth, stressing that development must proceed alongside environmental conservation.
Connectivity Transforming Mizoram's Development Landscape ---
The Union Minister highlighted the significant improvements in Mizoram's connectivity through roads, railways and air transport, observing that the state was becoming increasingly connected not only through infrastructure but also through stronger bonds between people.
He described the 51.38-kilometre Bairabi-Sairang railway line as a historic milestone that brought Mizoram onto India's railway map and transformed access to major economic centers.
The railway connectivity has facilitated the movement of more than 15 lakh passengers through over 1,100 train trips, linking Aizawl with Guwahati, Kolkata and Delhi. The introduction of the Sairang-Silchar service has further strengthened connectivity with the Barak Valley.
Highlighting another landmark achievement, Shri Scindia referred to the arrival of the first Food Corporation of India food-grain rake at Sairang in March 2026, carrying approximately 26,000 quintals of rice from Punjab in 42 wagons.
He said that the direct movement of food grains from Punjab to Mizoram by rail would have been difficult to imagine a decade ago and demonstrated how improved connectivity was bringing distant regions of the country closer together.
Referring to tourism, Shri Scindia noted that Mizoram had recorded 4,94,362 domestic tourist visits and 7,389 foreign tourist visits during the first six months of 2026, reflecting the state's growing appeal as a tourism destination.
Mizoram Ginger Mission to Strengthen Farmers' Livelihoods --
Highlighting the state's agricultural potential, Shri Scindia described Mizo ginger as a unique strength and economic identity of Mizoram.
He said that the Rs.189.79 crore Mizoram Ginger Mission would bring nearly 20,000 farming households into an integrated value chain encompassing cultivation, processing, branding, connectivity and access to national and international markets.
The Union Minister emphasised that the objective was not merely to increase ginger production but to ensure that farmers and local communities received a greater share of the economic value generated.
"Mizo ginger is Mizoram's USP; our mission is to make sure the value stays where the ginger grows," he said.
Rs.331 Crore Development Push Across Key Sectors -
Detailing the Ministry of DoNER's continued investments in the state, Shri Scindia informed the gathering that the Ministry has been allocated Rs.6,812.30 crore for the North Eastern Region in the current financial year.
He stated that 375 projects worth Rs.4,617.70 crore have been taken up in Mizoram, of which 295 projects, involving an investment of Rs.2,692.31 crore, have already been completed.
Congratulating the Government of Mizoram for its cooperation and efforts in implementing development projects, the Union Minister said that the completion of nearly four out of every five projects demonstrated the progress achieved through coordinated efforts between the Centre and the State.
The Union Minister highlighted ten development projects worth approximately Rs.331 crore, comprising five projects worth around Rs.102 crore dedicated to the people and five projects worth Rs.228.54 crore for which foundation stones were laid.
He described these initiatives as investments in both "Routes and Roots" - routes representing the physical infrastructure required to connect people and markets, and roots representing institutions that nurture health, education, culture and talent.
"Routes take Mizoram to the world. Roots keep Mizoram Mizo," he said.
Five Development Projects Worth Rs.102 Crore Dedicated to the People
The projects inaugurated and dedicated to the people include:
Speaking about the Aizawl Institute of Arts & Music, Shri Scindia praised the exceptional musical talent of Mizoram and expressed his admiration for the musicians who performed during the programme.
He appreciated the energy, enthusiasm and skill displayed by the performers, particularly the drummers, and said that their performances reflected the artistic excellence and vibrant cultural spirit of Mizoram.
Foundation Stones Laid for Five Projects Worth Rs.228.54 Crore --
The Union Minister also laid foundation stones for five development projects aimed at expanding connectivity and strengthening social infrastructure across the state.
These include:
Development Must Reflect the Spirit of Hnatlang
Concluding his address, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia invoked Mizoram's traditional spirit of Hnatlang, a community practice in which people voluntarily come together to undertake collective work for the welfare of their village and neighbours.
He described the development initiatives as an expression of Hnatlang on a larger scale, bringing together the Central Government, the State Government and the people in a shared mission of progress.
The Union Minister emphasised that the success of development projects should ultimately be measured not by their financial outlay but by their impact on people's lives - whether through better market access for farmers, improved healthcare, greater opportunities for young musicians or enhanced sporting facilities for aspiring athletes.
Reaffirming the Government of India's commitment to the inclusive and sustainable development of Mizoram, Shri Scindia said that the objective was to create new economic opportunities while preserving the state's unique cultural identity and natural heritage.
The Union Minister's two-day visit to Mizoram on October 12-13, 2026, also includes engagements with students, civil society representatives and stakeholders from the banking sector, reflecting the Ministry of DoNER's continued focus on infrastructure development, youth empowerment and economic inclusion across the North Eastern Region.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
