Aizawl, September 13:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Mizoram’s first railway station at Sairang, marking a historic moment for the state. The event celebrated the completion of the Bairabi–Sairang railway project, a landmark engineering achievement that brings Mizoram onto India’s railway map for the first time.
The Sairang station lies just 12 km from Aizawl, the state capital. With this inauguration, Mizoram becomes the fourth northeastern state capital to be linked to the national railway network, after Guwahati, Agartala, and Itanagar.
Bairabi–Sairang Railway Project: An Engineering Feat
The line stretches 51.38 km across hilly and difficult terrain. It includes *48 tunnels, *142 bridges (55 major and 87 minor), and several overbridges and underpasses.
One of the highlights is *Bridge No. 196, which stands *104 meters tall, higher than Delhi’s Qutub Minar. It is the tallest bridge in Mizoram and the second-highest pier bridge in Indian Railways.
The project, which began in 1999, cost over ₹8,070 crore. Challenges such as landslides and short working seasons tested engineers, but the successful completion has been hailed as proof of Indian Railways’ capabilities.
Boost to Connectivity and Development
This railway link reduces dependence on road transport. It will cut travel time and make goods transport cheaper. Experts believe it will open new opportunities for tourism, trade, and jobs, creating long-term economic growth for Mizoram.
Future expansion plans aim to extend the line up to the *Myanmar border, aligning with the *Kaladan project and boosting international trade potential.
Inaugural Train Services
PM Modi flagged off Mizoram’s *first Rajdhani Express, connecting Sairang directly with Delhi’s Anand Vihar. The 2,510 km journey will take about *43 hours, offering fast, direct access to the national capital.
New express trains will also connect Mizoram with Kolkata and Guwahati, giving residents more travel options than ever before.
A Step Toward Inclusive Growth
The Governor of Mizoram and the Union Railway Minister praised the project as a symbol of inclusive development. They said it fulfills the decades-old promise of bringing modern infrastructure to the remotest corners of India.
Speaking at the event, PM Modi called Mizoram “a land of courage and culture” and stressed that the railway link will integrate the Northeast more deeply with the rest of the country.
Key Takeaways
- Mizoram’s first railway station inaugurated at Sairang by PM Modi.
- The Bairabi–Sairang line includes record-breaking bridges and tunnels.
- Project cost over ₹8,070 crore and began in 1999.
- Rajdhani Express flagged off from Mizoram to Delhi.
- Boost expected in trade, tourism, and employment across the state.