Aizawl: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Mizoram’s first railway line, the 51.38 km Bairabi–Sairang project, describing it as a “lifeline of transformation” that will improve access to services, boost local trade, and connect the state more closely with the rest of India.
“This is not just a railway connection, but a lifeline of transportation. It will revolutionise the lives and livelihoods of the people of Mizoram. Farmers and businesses here can now reach more markets across the nation,” Modi said while dedicating the line to the country.
Calling it a “historic day,” the Prime Minister noted: “From today, Aizawl will be on India’s railway map. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to lay the foundation stone for this project. Today we proudly dedicate it to the people of the nation.”
An Engineering Feat
First conceptualised 26 years ago, the railway line has been built across some of India’s most challenging terrain. It includes 48 tunnels stretching nearly 13 km and over 40 bridges. Among them is Bridge No. 196, which soars 104 metres above ground—42 metres higher than Delhi’s Qutub Minar. Carved through dense forests, rugged hills, and landslide-prone areas, the project is regarded as a remarkable engineering achievement.
With its inauguration, Aizawl becomes the fourth capital city in the Northeast—after Guwahati in Assam, Agartala in Tripura, and Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh—to join the national rail network.
Faster, Safer, and More Convenient
The new line reduces travel time between Aizawl and Silchar to just three hours, compared with the seven hours required by road. Officials say feasibility studies are under way to introduce premium services such as Vande Bharat and Rajdhani Express trains, which would further ease connectivity between Aizawl and major Indian cities.
“Mizoram had no train link till now. This project will transform connectivity in the Northeast,” said K.K. Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Northeast Frontier Railway.
Boost for Tourism, Trade, and Security
The Mizoram government estimates that tourist arrivals could rise by 50% in the next five years, benefiting hotels, homestays, handicrafts, and transport services. The line is also expected to give local businesses access to wider markets and facilitate easier movement of goods.
Beyond economic and social impact, the Bairabi–Sairang railway line strengthens India’s border infrastructure in a state that shares a frontier with Myanmar. Officials note that the line could play a strategic role in military logistics and disaster response in the sensitive border region.
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