Bairabi-Sairang Project
The Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) has recently approved the opening of the railway line from Hortoki to Sairang in Mizoram. This marks milestone as it connects the state capital Aizawl to the Indian Railways network for the first time. The Hortoki-Sairang line is the final segment of the larger Bairabi-Sairang rail project, spanning 51.38 kilometres.
Project Overview
The Bairabi-Sairang project includes 48 tunnels and 55 major bridges. The total length of tunnels is 12,853 metres. One notable bridge, bridge number 196, stands at 104 metres, surpassing the height of the Qutub Minar by 42 metres. The project is divided into four sections – Bairabi-Hortoki, Hortoki-Kawnpui, Kawnpui-Mualkhang, and Mualkhang-Sairang.
Recent Developments
The CRS conducted an inspection of the 33.86-km Hortoki-Sairang stretch from June 6 to June 10. The inspection involved both motor trolley and foot surveys, followed by a speed trial with a diesel locomotive. The CRS has authorised the line for public transport with a maximum speed limit of 90 km/h.
Significance for Mizoram
This new railway line enhances connectivity for Mizoram’s capital, Aizawl, which is located approximately 20 km from Sairang. Before this project, Bairabi was the only railway station in the state. The opening of this line integrates Mizoram into the national railway network, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers.
Broader Railway Initiatives
The Bairabi-Sairang project is part of a larger initiative by the Ministry of Railways to connect all state capitals in the Northeast region. This includes multiple new lines and doubling projects across states like Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur, and Tripura. However, railway development in Meghalaya has faced delays due to local opposition.
Investment and Future Prospects
As of April 1, 2024, there are 18 railway projects in the Northeast, with a total length of 1,368 km and an estimated cost of ₹74,972 crore. Out of these, 313 km of track length has already been commissioned. The investment in railway infrastructure is expected to boost economic growth and improve accessibility in the region.
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