Mizoram’s Capital Aizawl Connected to Rail Network for the First Time

Sriganganagar,  A historic milestone has been added to the annals of Indian Railways as Mizoram’s capital Aizawl has been connected to the national railway network for the very first time. With the commissioning of the final section from Hretuki to Sairang on June 10 this year, the ambitious Bairabi–Sairang Rail Project has been completed in full.

During a project visit on September 1, former ZRUCC member Bhim Sharma interacted with Mr. Kapiñjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer, North Frontier Railway, who shared detailed insights into the project. The foundation stone had been laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 29, 2014, and after freight services reached Bairabi in 2016, the entire 51.38 km stretch has now been operationalised. The total project cost has been approximately ₹8071 crore.

Infrastructure Achievements
The line traverses through Kolasib and Aizawl districts, built to support speeds up to 100 km/h. Four major stations—Hretuki, Konpui, Mualkhang, and Sairang—have been constructed. The route comprises 153 bridges (including 55 major bridges and 10 ROBs/RUBs) and 45 tunnels, with 11.78 km of track over bridges and 15.885 km through tunnels. The longest tunnel measures 1.868 km, with all tunnels fitted with modern ballast-less tracks.

Adding cultural richness, the tunnel walls have been adorned with murals depicting Mizoram’s folk culture, attire, festivals, and biodiversity. Despite heavy monsoon rains, frequent landslides, and logistical hurdles, the project was completed through deep cuts of up to 65 metres in fragile rock formations to lay a secure track.

Socio-Economic Impact
The project is expected to transform connectivity across Mizoram. Travel time between key points will reduce from seven hours by road to just three hours by train. Access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities will improve significantly. Lower freight costs will reduce the price of essential goods, boost local markets, and make it easier to transport forest produce, handicrafts, and horticultural items to other parts of the country. Goods sheds at major stations will enhance trade and generate local employment.

According to Mr. Kapiñjal Kishore Sharma, IRCTC signed a two-year agreement with the Mizoram Government in August 2025 to promote tourism. Under the plan, Aizawl (Sairang) will be a prime destination on the “Explore the Northeast beyond Guwahati” special tourist train, expected to invigorate hospitality, guiding, handicrafts, textiles, and the hotel industry.

Towards National Integration
More than a railway line, the Bairabi–Sairang project represents a new lifeline of socio-economic development for Mizoram, strengthening Northeast India’s integration with the national mainstream and advancing regional balance.

Citizens of Aizawl now eagerly await the day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off the first train service, which will herald a new chapter of development for Mizoram.

Box: Direct Rail Link with Sriganganagar Discussed
During his visit, former ZRUCC member Bhim Sharma explored the possibility of a direct train service from Sriganganagar to Sairang after learning about two pit lines at the newly constructed Sairang station. He suggested that such a service could link Sriganganagar with major cities of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Assam, enhancing both trade and tourism. Sharma expressed his intention to prepare a formal proposal for former Union Minister Mr. Nihal Chand, so that it may be placed before Railway Minister Mr. Ashwini Vaishnaw.