Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Mizoram’s first railway line, the 51 km Bairabi–Sairang broad gauge project. This is not just a transport milestone but a historic lifeline for the state, placing Aizawl officially on India’s railway map for the first time since 1947. For decades, Mizoram’s people dreamed of being connected by rail, and after years of engineering challenges across steep hills and deep gorges, that dream has finally turned into reality.

A Record-Breaking Railway Route

The Bairabi–Sairang line is an engineering marvel in itself. The route comprises 45 tunnels, 88 small bridges, and 55 major bridges, stretching through dense forests and mountainous terrain. Among them is Bridge No. 144, India’s second-highest railway bridge, standing at 114 meters, 42 meters taller than Delhi’s iconic Qutub Minar. The bridge not only sets records but also offers stunning views of Mizoram’s valleys, making this line one of the most scenic in the country.

Why the Name Bairabi–Sairang Railway Line?

The Bairabi–Sairang railway line gets its name from the two towns it connects in Mizoram. Bairabi, located on the Mizoram–Assam border, has long been known as the gateway to the state and served as the starting point for earlier railway links with Assam’s Silchar. On the other end, Sairang lies just about 20 kilometers from Aizawl, the state capital, making it the nearest railhead for the capital city. By linking Bairabi to Sairang, the project provides Mizoram its first-ever broad gauge railway line, firmly placing the state on India’s railway map.

Direct Connections to Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati

With this new line, Mizoram now enjoys direct connectivity to Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati—something that was unimaginable just a few years ago. The Sairang–Delhi Rajdhani Express will run once a week, covering 2,510 km in 45 hours and 30 minutes, while the Sairang–Kolkata train will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, completing the 1,530 km journey in 31 hours and 15 minutes. 

The Sairang–Guwahati train will depart from Sairang at 12:30 pm and reach Guwahati at 2:30 am, reducing the earlier road journey by nearly four hours. Alongside these passenger services, goods trains will also begin operations soon, promising economic uplift for Mizoram’s farmers, entrepreneurs, and traders by connecting local produce and products to wider markets across India.

From Isolation to Integration

For Mizoram, this rail line is more than just steel tracks and bridges; it is about ending decades of geographical isolation. Earlier, reaching Delhi or Kolkata from Aizawl was a long and exhausting journey via road and air. Now, with direct trains, the state is firmly linked with the rest of the country. This new connection reduces the Aizawl–Silchar travel time from seven hours by road to just three hours by train. Similarly, Aizawl–Guwahati now takes 12 hours by train compared to 16 by road. For a student heading to Delhi for higher studies, a farmer sending ginger to Kolkata, or a patient traveling to Guwahati for treatment, this line is a bridge of hope and opportunity.

PM Modi’s Northeast Push

As part of his two-day Northeast tour, he not only inaugurated the Bairabi–Sairang railway project but also laid the foundation stone for schemes worth ₹9,000 crore in the state, including major roads, bridges, and social infrastructure. The Prime Minister further highlighted that Mizoram will benefit from the UDAN scheme for regional air connectivity, the launch of helicopter services to make remote areas more accessible, and the expansion of Eklavya Model Residential Schools, with 11 already built and six more in progress to empower the state’s youth. 

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed that the Vande Bharat Express will soon operate on this route, further strengthening connectivity in the Northeast. Once operational, the journey will not just be efficient but also modern and comfortable. The railway will open doors for tourism, with Mizoram’s breathtaking landscapes accessible to visitors from across the country. For the youth, it means jobs, exposure, and a chance to travel beyond borders more easily.

A Lifeline of Change

From today, Mizoram is no longer a distant corner on the map; it is connected, empowered, and ready to grow. The rail line is not just about movement; it is about opportunity and hope. The Bairabi–Sairang railway line proves that even the steepest mountains and deepest valleys cannot stop India’s journey of progress. For Mizoram, the whistle of the First Rajdhani Express is the sound of a new dawn.