Aizawl,India, June 28
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the much-anticipated 51.38-kilometre Bairabi-Sairang broad gauge railway line, marking a major milestone in Mizoram’s connectivity with the rest of India. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has confirmed that the project is complete and has received the green light from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS).
“The line is ready and has been approved by the CRS. The inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take place very soon,”
said a senior NFR official.
Once operational, the railway line will link Mizoram’s capital, Aizawl, to the national railway network via Silchar, making it the fourth northeastern state to have its capital city connected by rail. The new route promises passengers a scenic journey through Mizoram’s lush forests, rolling hills, and rich cultural landscape.
The final safety inspection of the stretch between Hortoki and Sairang was carried out by CRS Sumeet Singhal from June 6 to 10, with the official report submitted to the Ministry of Railways on June 11.
Built at a revised cost of ₹5,021.45 crore, the project faced and overcame formidable engineering challenges posed by Mizoram’s rugged terrain. The new line features 48 tunnels spanning over 12.85 km, 55 major bridges, 87 minor bridges, five road overbridges, and nine road underbridges. Notably, Bridge No. 196 stands 104 metres tall — surpassing the height of Delhi’s iconic Qutub Minar by 42 metres.
In a statement, NFR highlighted the transformative potential of the rail line:
“This new connectivity will significantly enhance transportation for the people of Mizoram, boost tourism, and strengthen regional mobility. It’s a crucial step forward in integrating the northeast with the rest of the country.”
Beyond improved travel access, the project is expected to spark economic development, facilitate trade, and generate employment and small-business opportunities around railway stations and cargo terminals.
The foundation of this historic project was laid by Prime Minister Modi on November 29, 2014, when he virtually unveiled the plaque during a ceremony at Maligaon Railway Stadium.
As the state awaits the formal launch, the new railway line stands as a symbol of progress, resilience, and strengthened ties between Mizoram and the national mainstream.
