Bairabi Sairang Railway Line Brings Aizawl Closer to Indian Railways

New railway lifeline for Mizoram

Bairabi Sairang Railway Line Brings Aizawl Closer to Indian Railways: Mizoram, one of the most scenic and remote states in India, has finally been linked more directly with the rest of the country. Thanks to the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS), the new railway line from Hortoki to Sairang is now open for use. This stretch connects Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, to the Indian Railways network for the first time ever. This achievement completes the final portion of the Bairabi-Sairang rail project, which runs for 51.38 kilometres in total.

Highlights of the project structure

The engineering work behind this railway project is impressive. It includes 48 tunnels and 55 major bridges, cutting through Mizoram’s hilly terrain. One of the tallest structures in the project, Bridge Number 196, stands at 104 metres, which is 42 metres taller than the Qutub Minar in Delhi. This project was not just built in one go; it was split into four stretches – Bairabi-Hortoki, Hortoki-Kawnpui, Kawnpui-Mualkhang, and Mualkhang-Sairang. This approach made the work smoother and helped in faster development of tough sections.

CRS safety check and approval

From June 6 to June 10, a team from the CRS conducted detailed inspections of the Hortoki to Sairang stretch, covering 33.86 kilometres. They used both motor trolleys and walked on foot to check safety. A speed trial with a diesel locomotive followed, after which the CRS gave the green signal. Trains can now run at a maximum speed of 90 km/h on this route.

Connectivity boost for Mizoram

Before this project, Bairabi was the only railway station in the state. Aizawl, the capital, is about 20 km from Sairang, making the new line extremely useful for daily travel and cargo. Now, with the line complete, both goods and passengers will have easier access to and from the state. This is especially important for a landlocked region like Mizoram, which depends on external trade and transport.

Part of a larger vision for the Northeast

This rail project isn’t an isolated effort. It fits into the Ministry of Railways’ broader goal to connect every state capital in the Northeast. Several states like Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura already have new projects under way. However, Meghalaya has seen some delay due to local resistance.

Funding and the way ahead

As of April 2024, India has 18 active railway projects in the Northeast, covering 1,368 km. The estimated cost is ₹74,972 crore, and 313 km of railway track has already been opened. These projects are expected to strengthen regional trade, tourism, and overall economic growth in the Northeast. Such development also aligns with India’s vision of inclusive infrastructure and balanced regional development.

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