AIZAWL, May 3: In a historic development for Mizoram, a railway engine has pulled into Sairang—on the western fringe of the state capital Aizawl—for the very first time, marking a significant milestone in the state’s connectivity and infrastructure growth. The arrival of the engine signals the near completion of the long-anticipated 51.38-km Bairabi–Sairang broad gauge railway line.
The project, executed by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), is now 95% complete, according to NFR authorities. Out of the sanctioned amount of ₹8,215 crore, a sum of ₹7,714 crore has already been spent. A second trial run was scheduled for Thursday as part of a series of test operations ahead of the official commissioning of the railway line.
The railway line is projected to be fully operational by July 2025, pending the final inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, which is scheduled to take place in May or June.
A major milestone for the project was achieved in August 2024, when the CRS cleared train operations on the Bairabi–Hortoki section after successful inspection and high-speed trials. Trains on that section were approved to operate at speeds of up to 100 km per hour.
This development represents a transformative moment for Mizoram, as it connects the capital Aizawl to India’s railway network for the first time—potentially revolutionising mobility, trade, and overall development in the state. The Bairabi–Sairang railway line is being implemented under the Centre’s Act East Policy, aimed at enhancing connectivity and economic integration across the Northeast and with Southeast Asia.
The project features four passenger stations—Hortoki, Kawnpui, Mualkhang, and Sairang-Sihhmui—and is a remarkable feat of engineering. It includes 32 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 89 minor bridges. Among its most striking features is Pier P-4, which stands at a height of 104 metres, exceeding the height of the iconic Qutub Minar.
Officials involved in the project stated that the railway line will drastically reduce travel time and logistics costs while boosting the tourism potential and improving the movement of goods and passengers. “The railway will open up immense possibilities for Mizoram’s economy and create easier access for both trade and tourism,” said an official.
Aligned with the broader goals of the Act East Policy, this railway line is expected to strengthen Mizoram’s strategic and economic ties with the rest of India and with Southeast Asia.
