Completion of Bairabi-Sairang Railway Line Enhances Northeast Connectivity

Significant Milestone for Mizoram's Infrastructure
Aizawl, June 30: The long-anticipated Bairabi-Sairang railway line in Mizoram has reached completion, marking a significant advancement in connectivity for the Northeast region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the 51.38 km railway line soon.
Vinod Kumar, the Chief Engineer overseeing the project, shared with a news agency, "This has been one of the most challenging endeavors for Indian Railways. Each segment of the line presented its own set of difficulties, particularly due to the heavy rainfall that limits the working season to just four months annually."
The newly completed Bairabi-Sairang line establishes a direct link from Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, to the Indian railway network. Previously, the railway only reached Bairabi, necessitating road travel to Aizawl, which was frequently hindered by landslides and adverse weather conditions.
Now, with this railway line operational, direct rail access from cities such as Silchar and Guwahati to Aizawl will be available, significantly cutting down travel time and logistical hurdles.
The new railway line includes four newly built stations: Hortoki, Kawnpui, Mualkhang, and Sairang. It is anticipated to facilitate not only passenger travel but also to greatly enhance tourism and trade within the region.
Travel duration between Silchar and Aizawl, which currently takes about eight hours by road, will be reduced to approximately three hours by train. Likewise, the journey from Guwahati to Aizawl, which usually spans 14-18 hours by road, will now take around 12 hours by rail.
The foundation stone for this project was laid by PM Modi on November 29, 2014, and it has taken nearly 11 years to reach completion.
Constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 5,021.45 crore, the project features 48 tunnels with a total length of 12,853 meters and 142 iron bridges designed to navigate the region's challenging landscape.
The completion of the Bairabi-Sairang rail line is poised to transform connectivity and stimulate economic growth in Mizoram.