The Impressive TimesAizawl, 12 September 2025: Mizoram is on the brink of a historic milestone as the Bairabi–Sairang railway line prepares for its grand inauguration. Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, inspected Sairang Railway Station today and highlighted the transformative impact this 51-kilometre rail corridor will have on the state’s economy and connectivity.
Addressing the media, Vaishnaw described the formidable geological challenges faced during construction in the young Himalayan terrain. Engineers encountered unstable soil and loose sand, requiring innovative tunneling methods. The project team developed a technique to solidify sand into rock-like formations before excavating, enabling the completion of 45 tunnels and 55 major bridges—including a bridge taller than Delhi’s Qutub Minar.
“This railway is not only a lifeline for Mizoram but a testament to India’s engineering excellence,” the Minister noted.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Bairabi–Sairang rail line tomorrow, officially launching Mizoram’s first direct train service from its capital to the national capital. Along with the new corridor, three passenger train services will commence:
Weekly Rajdhani Express from Sairang to New Delhi
Tri-weekly Mizoram Express from Sairang to Kolkata
Daily Aizawl Intercity from Sairang to Guwahati
These services are expected to strengthen regional connectivity, improve trade, and provide a reliable link for travelers across Northeast India and beyond.
Freight operations will begin 14 September, a day after the passenger services start. Vaishnaw explained that the goods trains will carry cement, steel, and household essentials, reducing costs for local residents. He also outlined plans to transport organic vegetables, flowers, and exotic fruits such as dragon fruit, replicating the successful apple transport model from Kashmir to Delhi.
The enhanced rail network is anticipated to create new opportunities for tourism, agriculture, and small businesses, giving Mizoram’s economy a significant lift.
Highlighting the government’s investment in the region, the Minister said that the annual railway budget allocation for the Northeast has increased fivefold—from around ₹2,000 crore before 2014 to nearly ₹10,000 crore today—demonstrating the Prime Minister’s dedication to balanced regional development.
Vaishnaw commended the efforts of the Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar, North East Frontier Railway General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, and General Manager (Construction) Arun Kumar Choudhary, along with local MPs who supported the project.
With the inauguration of this strategic rail line, Mizoram will soon enjoy direct passenger and freight links to major Indian cities, marking a new era of growth and accessibility for the state.
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