00:00The first train between Aizwal, the Rajthani Express now has been flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
00:30To Supreme God, Parthyan, who watches over this beautiful land of the Blue Mountains, I am here at Mejoram's Langpui Airport.
00:50Unfortunately, due to bed with her, I am sorry that I am not able to join you at Aizwal, but I can feel your love and affection even from this medium.
01:14Friends, whether it is the freedom movement or nation-building, the people of Mejoram have always come forward to contribute.
01:33The ideals of people like Lallu Ropai Lianji and Pasaltha Khuang Chera continue to inspire the nation.
01:54Sacrifice and service, courage and compassion, these values are at the center of Mejor society.
02:10Today, Mejoram is playing an important role in India's development journey.
02:25Friends, this is a historic day for the nation, particularly for the people of Mejoram.
02:38From today, Aizwal will be on India's railway map.
02:50A few years ago, I had the opportunity of laying the foundation stone for the Aizwal railway line.
03:02And today, we proudly dedicate it to the people of the nation.
03:12Overcoming many challenges, including difficult terrain, this Bhairabhi-Shairang rail line has become a reality.
03:31The skills of our engineers and the spirit of our workers made this possible.
03:43Friends, our hearts have always been directly connected with each other.
03:49Now, for the first time, Serang in Mejoram will be connected directly with Delhi by the Rajdhani Express.
04:08This is not just a railway connection, but it is a lifeline of transformation.
04:22It will revolutionize the lives and livelihoods of the people of Mizoram.
04:32Farmers and businesses of Mizoram can reach more markets across the nation.
04:43People will be able to access more options for education and healthcare.
04:55This will also create employment opportunities in tourism, transport and hospitality sectors.
05:08Friends, for a long time, some political parties in our country practiced vote-bank politics.
05:25Their focus was always on places which had more votes and seats.
05:36The entire Northeast, including states like Mizoram, suffered greatly because of this attitude.
05:50But our approach is very different.
05:57Those who were earlier neglected are at the forefront now.
06:07Those who were once marginalized are the mainstream now.
06:14For the past eleven years, we have been working for the development of the Northeast.
06:26This region is becoming the growth engine of India.
06:33Friends, over the years, many states of the Northeast have been put on the rail map of India.
06:46For the first time, rural roads and highways, mobile connectivity and internet connections, electricity, tap water and LPG connections.
07:08The government of India has worked hard to strengthen all kinds of connectivity.
07:20Mizoram will also benefit from the Udan scheme for air travel.
07:30Soon, helicopter service will begin here.
07:37This will improve access to remote areas of Mizoram.
07:47Friends, Mizoram has a major role in both our Southeast policy and the emerging Northeast economic corridor.
08:02With Kaladan multi-model transit transport projects and Serang Humang Buchayhua rail line, Mizoram will also get connected to the Bay of Bengal through Southeast Asia.
08:25Due to this, trade and tourism will be boosted across Northeast India and Southeast Asia.
08:38Friends, Mizoram is blessed with talented youths.
08:46Our work is to empower them.
08:50Our government has already started 11 A. Klavya residential schools here.
08:59Work is going to start six more schools.
09:05Our Northeast is also becoming a major hub for start-ups.
09:14I am happy that around 4,500 start-ups and 25 incubators are operating in the region.
09:30Young people of Mizoram are actively joining this movement and creating new opportunities for themselves and others.
09:45Friends, India is quickly becoming an important hub for global sports.
09:55This is also creating a sports economy in the country.
10:02Mizoram has a wonderful tradition of sports, producing many champions in football and all other sports.
10:14Our sports policies are benefiting Mizoram as well.
10:21Under the Khelo India scheme, we are supporting the creation of modern sports infrastructure.
10:31Recently, our government has also come out with a national sports policy.
10:41Khelo India, Khel Neeti.
10:46This will open new doors of opportunity for the youth of Mizoram.
10:55Friends, whether in our country or abroad, it gives me great happiness to play the role of an ambassador of the beautiful culture of the Northeast.
11:14Encouraging platforms that showcase the potential of the Northeast is important.
11:26A few months ago, I had the opportunity to participate in the Astralakshmi festival in Delhi.
11:36It showcased the textiles, crafts, GI tech products and tourism potential of the Northeast.
11:50At the rising Northeast summit, I encourage investors to tap into the potential of the Northeast.
12:02The summit is opening up the path for massive investment and projects.
12:10When I talk about being vocal for local, it greatly benefits the artisans and farmers of the Northeast too.
12:26Mejoram's bamboo products, organic ginger, turmeric and bananas are well known.
12:38Friends, we are constantly taking steps to boost ease of living and ease of doing business.
12:49Recently, next generation GST reforms have been announced.
12:59This means lower taxes on many products, making life easier for families.
13:10Before 2014, even daily essentials like toothpaste, shop and oil were taxed at 27%.
13:25Today, only 5% GST is applicable.
13:32During Congress rule, medicines, test kits and insurance policies were heavily taxed.
13:44That is why healthcare was expensive and insurance was out of reach for ordinary families.
13:59But today, all these have become affordable.
14:05The new GST rates will also make medicines for serious diseases like cancer more inexpensive.
14:20After September 22nd, cement and construction materials will also become cheaper.
14:33Many companies that manufacture, scooters and cars have already reduced prices.
14:44I am sure that the festive season this time will be even more vibrant across the nation.
14:54Friends, as part of the reforms, GST on most hotels had been reduced to only 5%.
15:07Travelling to various places, staying in hotels and eating out will become cheaper.
15:17This will help more people travel, explore and enjoy different parts of our country.
15:30Tourist hubs like the Northeast will particularly benefit from it.
15:36Friends, our economy has seen a growth of 7.8% in the first quarter of 25-26.
15:49It means India is the fastest growing major economy in the world.
15:55We are also seeing the growth of make in India and exports.
16:07During Operation Sindhu, you all saw how our soldiers taught a lesson to those who sponsored terror.
16:21The whole nation was filled with a sense of pride about our armed forces.
16:28In this operation, many India weapons played a significant role in protecting our country.
16:40The growth of our economy and manufacturing sector is very important for our national security.
16:51Friends, our government is committed to the welfare of every citizen, every family and every region.
17:02It is through the empowerment of the people that a developed India will be built.
17:12In this journey, I am confident that the people of Mizoram will play a very important role.
17:23Once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you all and welcome Ayazol to the railway map of India.
17:36Today, due to the weather, I could not come to Ayazol.
17:45But I am sure that we will meet very soon.
17:54Thanks a lot.
17:56You just heard Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
18:03He started by highlighting the difference between the BGP government and the earlier governments.
18:08Prime Minister Modi said earlier the parties were only interested in vote bank politics,
18:13but now BGP has decided that the northeastern states will also be as developed as the rest of the country.
18:19In fact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also welcomed Mizoram to the grid and said that now you have railway connectivity.
18:28Very soon we will be seeing many more people from Mizoram travelling to the national capital.
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