PM Modi inaugurates Mizoram’s first railway line, linking Bairabi to Sairang
A Historic First: Mizoram Gets Its Own Railway Line
Mizoram Joins India’s Rail Map with Bairabi-Sairang Rail Line – September 13, 2025, will be remembered as a landmark day in Mizoram’s history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the Bairabi-Sairang Rail Line, connecting Mizoram to the Indian Railways network for the very first time. This 51.38-kilometer stretch links Bairabi, near the Assam border, to Sairang, just 20 km from the state capital Aizawl.
The project, built at a cost of ₹8,070 crore, is more than just a railway – it’s a symbol of inclusion, development, and national integration. Until now, Mizoram was one of the few Indian states without direct rail connectivity. With this launch, Aizawl becomes the fourth northeastern capital to be linked by train, after Guwahati, Agartala, and Itanagar.
Due to bad weather, PM Modi addressed the inauguration from Lengpui Airport instead of Aizawl. He called the rail line a “lifeline of transformation” and praised the engineers who overcame tough Himalayan terrain to build tunnels and bridges across the hills.
Engineering Marvel in the Hills
The Bairabi-Sairang Rail Line is not just a transport project, it’s an engineering wonder. The route includes 48 tunnels, 142 bridges, and several road overpasses and underpasses. One of the bridges, Bridge No. 196, stands at 114 meters taller than Delhi’s Qutub Minar and is now the tallest pier railway bridge in India.
Nearly 54% of the entire route passes through tunnels and bridges, showcasing the complexity of the terrain and the skill of the engineers. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted how workers had to solidify loose sand into rock-like formations before tunneling could begin.
The railway also features murals inside tunnels that reflect Mizo heritage, turning travel into a cultural experience. Stations like Hortoki, Kawnpui, Mualkhang, and Sairang will now serve as hubs for trade, tourism, and local business.
Boost for Economy, Tourism, and Trade
This new railway line is expected to bring major changes to Mizoram’s economy. Farmers will now have better access to national markets for products like turmeric, ginger, and fruits. Cargo services and refrigerated coaches will help preserve and transport these goods efficiently.
Tourism is also set to grow. Mizoram’s natural beauty, its green hills, bamboo forests, and cultural richness will now be more accessible to travellers from across India. The rail line will reduce travel time and costs, making it easier for people to visit and explore the state.
The project is part of India’s “Act East” policy, which aims to improve connectivity and trade with Southeast Asia. Future plans may even extend the rail line to the Myanmar border under the Kaladan initiative.
New Train Services: Connecting Mizoram to the Nation
With the launch of the Bairabi-Sairang Rail line, three new long-distance trains have been flagged off:
- Sairang – Delhi Rajdhani Express
- Sairang – Guwahati Express
- Sairang – Kolkata Express
These trains will connect Mizoram directly to major cities, making travel faster and more comfortable. For example, the Rajdhani Express will cover 2,510 kilometers from Sairang to Delhi in about 43 hours. The Guwahati Express will run daily, and the Kolkata Express will operate three times a week.
This is a big step toward making Mizoram more connected, not just physically but emotionally, with the rest of India. PM Modi said, “Our hearts have always been connected. Now, for the first time, our tracks are too”.
Final Thought:
The Bairabi-Sairang Rail Line is more than steel and concrete, it’s a promise of progress. For Mizoram, it means better jobs, stronger trade, and easier travel. For India, it’s a step toward unity and inclusive growth. As the first trains roll into Sairang, they carry not just passengers, but hope.
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