Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, is poised to join the Indian railway map, marking a significant milestone in the state's connectivity and infrastructure development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Bairabi-Sairang railway line on September 13, connecting Aizawl to the rest of the country via rail for the first time. This 51.38-km broad-gauge line, constructed at a cost of ₹8,071 crore, is an engineering marvel that promises to boost socio-economic growth, enhance passenger and freight movement, and fulfill a long-standing aspiration of the people of Mizoram.
The new railway line will connect Bairabi on the Assam-Mizoram border to Sairang, which is located approximately 20 km from Aizawl and 12 km from Lengpui Airport. The Sairang railway station will serve as the key railhead for Aizawl. With the completion of this line, Mizoram becomes the fourth Northeastern state to have direct train connectivity to its capital, following Guwahati, Agartala, and Itanagar. This achievement is a part of the Indian Railways' ambitious plan to link all eight Northeastern state capitals to the national rail network.
The Bairabi-Sairang railway line is not just a transportation project; it's an engineering feat considering that over half of its length runs through tunnels and bridges. The line includes 48 tunnels spanning 12.85 km, 55 major and 87 minor bridges, five road overbridges, and six road underbridges. One of the bridges, Bridge No. 144 over the Kurung River near Sairang, is the world's second-tallest pier bridge, rising 114 meters above the ground. The line also has three intermediate stations at Hortoki, Kawnpui, and Mualkhang. The tunnels are adorned with murals reflecting Mizo heritage, turning the trip into a cultural experience. Passenger trains on this line can run at speeds of up to 100 kmph.
Once operational, the Bairabi-Sairang railway line is expected to reduce travel time between Aizawl and other cities significantly. For instance, the journey between Aizawl and Silchar, which currently takes nearly seven hours by road, will be reduced to approximately three hours by train. Similarly, the travel time between Aizawl and Guwahati is expected to decrease from 16 hours by road to 12 hours by train. The railway line will also provide a more cost-effective mode of transportation, tackling the high cost of road travel, especially during the monsoon season when landslides frequently disrupt road access.
The railway connectivity is expected to have a multidimensional impact on Mizoram. It will facilitate the easier movement of passengers and goods, boost tourism, and stimulate trade and commerce. The improved connectivity will also provide local businesses with access to larger markets, reduce transportation costs, and create employment opportunities. The state government intends to strictly enforce the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system at all railway stations to address concerns about a potential influx of outsiders.
Looking ahead, there are plans to extend the Bairabi-Sairang railway line to the India-Myanmar border, which would provide rail connectivity to the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project. Surveys for a 223-kilometer rail extension from Sairang to Hmawngbuchhuah/Zorinpui, near the India-Myanmar border, have already been completed. This extension would not only enhance connectivity with Myanmar but also contribute to the broader Trans-Asian Railway vision. The completion of the Bairabi-Sairang railway line marks a new chapter of development for Mizoram, integrating it more closely with the rest of India and opening up new opportunities for economic growth and prosperity.
