Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Mizoram’s first railway line and flagged off the state’s maiden Rajdhani Express connecting Aizawl with Delhi, marking a historic milestone in the state’s connectivity. The Rs 8,070-crore Bairabi-Sairang railway line, considered one of the most challenging projects in the history of Indian Railways, promises to transform passenger and freight movement in the Northeast.
Bairabi-Sairang Railway Line: A Landmark Project
Sanctioned in 2008-09 and with construction beginning in 2015, the Bairabi-Sairang railway line stretches through some of the toughest terrains in Mizoram. The project features 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 87 minor bridges, making it an engineering marvel.
Among its highlights is Bridge No. 144, located near Sairang, which stands taller than Delhi’s Qutub Minar at 114 metres. This bridge now holds the distinction of being the tallest pier railway bridge in India, an achievement celebrated by the Northeast Frontier Railway.
The 51-km route covers four main stations – Hortoki, Kawnpui, Mualkhang, and Sairang – in addition to Bairabi. With the completion of this line, Mizoram is now directly connected to the rest of the country by rail for the first time.
Boost to Regional Connectivity and Economy
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Mizoram Rajdhani Express and the new railway line will provide safe, efficient, and cost-effective travel options for the people of the state. The project is also expected to significantly improve the timely supply of food grains, fertilizers, and other essential commodities.
Officials emphasized that the Mizoram railway line will not only enhance passenger connectivity but also boost freight efficiency, reduce travel time, and improve logistical networks. The project is being hailed as a long-standing demand of the Mizoram public finally fulfilled.
The PM also flagged off two more trains – the Sairang-Guwahati Express and the Sairang-Kolkata Express – further strengthening Mizoram’s connectivity with major Indian cities.
Infrastructure Projects Under PM-DevINE and NESIDS
Alongside the railway inauguration, Modi also laid foundation stones for several infrastructure projects in Mizoram under various schemes, including the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) and the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS).
Among the major projects:
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The 45-km Aizawl Bypass Road, worth over Rs 500 crore under PM-DevINE, will decongest Aizawl city and improve connectivity to Lunglei, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Lengpui Airport, and the Sairang railway station.
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The Thenzawl-Sialsuk Road under NESIDS will benefit farmers cultivating dragon fruit, ginger, and paddy by improving market linkages.
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The Khankawn-Rongura Road in Serchhip district will provide better access for horticulture farmers and support the proposed Ginger Processing Plant.
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The Chhimtuipui bridge on Lawngtlai-Siaha Road will further enhance road connectivity in southern Mizoram.
Social Development and Education
The Prime Minister also inaugurated a residential school at Kawrthah under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) scheme and an Eklavya Model Residential School at Tlangnuam. Both institutions are aimed at improving access to quality education for children in the region, especially those from tribal and underprivileged backgrounds.
Additionally, a Khelo India Multipurpose Indoor Hall was announced to boost sports infrastructure in the state, along with an LPG bottling plant at Mualkhang, which will support local energy requirements.
A Step Towards Regional Growth
Experts believe that the Bairabi-Sairang railway line and the Aizawl-Delhi Rajdhani Express will act as catalysts for economic development in Mizoram, spurring tourism, employment opportunities, and regional trade. With enhanced infrastructure, the state can expect a surge in small businesses, logistics ventures, and service industries.
The Prime Minister noted that these projects are part of the government’s larger vision to ensure “balanced regional development” and bring the Northeast closer to the mainstream.
Conclusion
The inauguration of Mizoram’s first railway line and the launch of the Rajdhani Express from Aizawl to Delhi mark a defining chapter in the state’s history. With tallest pier bridges, multiple tunnels, and world-class infrastructure, the Bairabi-Sairang railway project stands as a testament to India’s engineering prowess and development focus in the Northeast.
As Mizoram embarks on this new era of connectivity, the region is set to witness faster trade, improved accessibility, and greater opportunities for its people.
