New Delhi: For the first time in Mizoram’s history, a railway engine has reached Sairang, a town on the western edge of Aizawl, marking a historic step forward in the state’s connectivity. The trial run, conducted by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), signals that the much-anticipated 51.38-km Bairabi-Sairang broad gauge line is nearing completion. Officials have confirmed that a second trial run was scheduled for Thursday, forming part of the series of tests before the line becomes fully operational.
NFR has announced that nearly 95% of the project has been completed, with ₹7,714 crore already spent from the sanctioned ₹8,215 crore. The line is expected to be ready for full-scale operations by July this year, subject to a final safety inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, likely to be held in May or June.
A significant milestone in the project was reached in August 2024, when the CRS gave clearance for operations on the Bairabi-Hortoki stretch after successful inspections and high-speed trials. Trains on this section were approved to run at speeds of up to 100 kmph.
This railway project is being seen as a game-changer for Mizoram, bringing the capital Aizawl onto the Indian railway map for the first time. As part of the central government’s Act East Policy, the Bairabi–Sairang line is designed to enhance regional connectivity, economic integration, and access to Southeast Asian markets. The line includes four passenger stations – Hortoki, Kawnpui, Mualkhang, and Sairang-Sihhmui – and stands out for its complex engineering.
The route features 32 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 89 minor bridges. One of its most remarkable structures is Pier P-4, which rises to 104 metres – taller than Delhi’s Qutub Minar. According to officials, the new line will significantly reduce travel time and lower logistics costs. It is also expected to boost tourism and improve the movement of goods and people across the region.
“This project will unlock new opportunities for Mizoram’s economy and make trade and tourism far more accessible,” said an official closely involved in its execution.
The Bairabi-Sairang railway is not just a state-level achievement but also a strategic asset under India’s broader vision to strengthen ties with neighbouring Southeast Asian countries through enhanced connectivity.
