Mizoram’s First Railway Line
The inauguration of Mizoram’s first railway line marks a historic milestone in India’s northeastern infrastructure development. The Bairabi–Sairang broad-gauge railway, spanning 51.38 km, was opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2025. This project is a key enabler of the government’s Act East Policy and enhances connectivity for the region’s capital, Aizawl, linking it directly to India’s vast railway network for the first time.
Project Overview
The railway line was sanctioned in 2008-09 and construction began in 2015. It cost approximately Rs 8,070 crore. The route includes 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 87 minor bridges. About 54% of the alignment runs through tunnels and bridges, reflecting the difficult terrain. Bridge No. 144 near Sairang stands as the tallest pier railway bridge in India at 114 metres. Engineers faced complex Himalayan geology, including the need to stabilise loose sand into rock for tunnel safety.
Strategic Importance
The new railway connects Bairabi on the Assam–Mizoram border to Sairang, 20 km from Aizawl. This makes Aizawl the fourth northeastern state capital with rail connectivity, joining Guwahati, Agartala, and Itanagar. The line is expected to improve logistics, reduce travel time, and promote tourism. It also supports timely supply of essentials like food grains and fertilisers, vital for regional development.
New Train Services
Alongside the rail line, three long-distance trains were launched – the Sairang–Delhi Rajdhani Express, Sairang–Guwahati Express, and Sairang–Kolkata Express. The Rajdhani Express runs weekly, connecting Mizoram directly to the national capital. The Guwahati Express operates daily, and the Kolkata Express runs thrice weekly. These services enhance passenger and freight movement, integrating Mizoram with major urban centres of India.
Complementary Infrastructure Projects
PM Modi also announced infrastructure works worth over Rs 9,000 crore. These include the 45-km Aizawl Bypass Road and key regional roads like Thenzawl–Sialsuk and Khankawn–Rongura. These roads aim to improve market access for farmers and traders. Projects such as the Chhimtuipui bridge will boost all-weather connectivity and cross-border trade under the Kaladan Multimodal Transit framework. Additional initiatives include an LPG bottling plant, new sports facilities, and educational institutions under government schemes.
Economic and Social Benefits
The railway line and associated projects are expected to generate employment and stimulate economic activity. Improved connectivity will encourage tourism and ease transport of agricultural produce and manufactured goods. The infrastructure upgrades are designed to support the government’s vision of integrating the Northeast more closely with the rest of India and neighbouring countries.
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