The First Railway Line in Mizoram-A Network connectivity booster

In 2025, the Bairabi-Sairang broad-gauge railway line is set to become the first railway line in the history of Mizoram, and therefore the first railway line in the state, and a significant move in the development of infrastructure in the northeastern part of India. The 51.38 km long project will help connect the capital area of Mizoram to the national railway system, which is the first preliminary to the government Act East Policy.

Project Highlights

The line was approved in 2008-09 and was constructed at cost of Rs 8,070 crore, which started being constructed in 2015. It has 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges and 87 minor bridges where more than half the motorway is in difficult terrain. It is interesting to note that Bridge No. 144 near Sairang is currently the highest pierced railway bridge in India with a height of 114 metres. Himalayan geology has been conquered through the process of stabilising loose sand to form rocks and make tunnels safe.

Strategic Importance

The railway will connect the Bairabi on AssamMizoram border to Sairang, only 20 km away Aizawl is the fourth northeastern state capital with rail connectivity after Guwahati, Agartala and Itanagar. The line will reduce logistics expenses, enhance the provision of necessities, as well as market tourism, which is a crucial developmental impetus to the area.

New Train Services

The line introduced three passenger services:

• Sairang-Delhi Rajdhani Express (on a weekly basis)
• Express: Sairang-Guwahati Express (daily).
• Sairang-Kolkata Express (three times per week)

These trains also connect Mizoram to major cities, increasing the services of passengers and cargo.

Complementary Infrastructure

Together with the railway, PM Modi unveiled infrastructure projects estimated to be beyond Rs 9,000 crore. These are the Aizawl Bypass Road (45km), regional roads such as the Thenzawl-Sialsuk, as well as Chhimtuipui bridge within the Kaladan Multimodal Transit scheme. Others are an LPG bottling plant, new sports and education institutions.

Economic and Social Impact

The railway will create jobs and tourism and trade, as well as enhance transportation of farm produce and manufactured commodities. Combined with the road and trade projects, it helps to intensify the role of Mizoram in the integration of the region with India and the neighbouring states, supporting the vision of the Northeast integration and development.