MIZORAM’S FIRST RAILWAY LINE – BAIRABI–SAIRANG

Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Mizoram’s first railway line — the Bairabi–Sairang broad gauge line (51.38 km), marking a historic milestone in Northeast India’s connectivity.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

• Sanctioned: 2008–09 | Construction started: 2015
• Cost: ₹8,070 crore
• Route: From Bairabi (Assam border) to Sairang (20 km from Aizawl)
• Structures: 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges, 87 minor bridges
• Tallest Bridge: Bridge No. 144 at 114 m — tallest pier railway bridge in India
• Terrain: 54% alignment through tunnels and bridges due to complex Himalayan geology

STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE

• Makes Aizawl the 4th northeastern capital with railway connectivity (after Guwahati, Agartala, Itanagar).
• Reduces travel time and logistics cost; supports supply of essentials and promotes tourism.
• Supports Act East Policy and enhances cross-border trade.

NEW TRAIN SERVICES

• Sairang–Delhi Rajdhani Express (weekly)
• Sairang–Guwahati Express (daily)
• Sairang–Kolkata Express (thrice weekly)

COMPLEMENTARY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

• ₹9,000 crore worth projects announced:
  • Aizawl Bypass (45 km)
  • Roads like Thenzawl–Sialsuk and Khankawn–Rongura
  • Chhimtuipui bridge under Kaladan Multimodal Transit framework
  • LPG bottling plant, sports facilities, and new educational institutions