The dream of connecting Aizawl by rail is on the verge of realization. The Bairabi-Sairang railway line, a critical infrastructure initiative for Mizoram, is expected to be inaugurated this week, marking a pivotal moment for the state. This new rail service will significantly reduce travel time between Aizawl and Silchar to just three hours, compared to the current seven-hour journey by road. Trains on this route are designed to operate at a speed of 100 kmph.
The Bairabi-Sairang railway line, a 51.38 km marvel constructed at a cost of around Rs 8,000 crore, is an impressive feat of engineering. The route navigates the challenging topography of Mizoram, encompassing 48 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 87 minor bridges. The total length of the tunnels is 12,853 meters. The standout feature is bridge number 196, which stands at 104 meters, exceeding the height of the Qutub Minar by 42 meters.
In addition, the project includes 5 road over bridges and 6 road under bridges. The railway line is divided into four distinct sections: Bairabi-Hortoki, Hortoki-Kawnpui, Kawnpui-Mualakhang, and Mualakhang–Sairang. The project will establish the first direct rail link to Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram. This will substantially enhance the transportation of both passengers and goods, contributing to the social and economic advancement of the state and fulfilling a long-standing need of the people of Mizoram.
Operational authorization for the final segment of the project, Hortoki to Sairang, was granted earlier this year by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). The CRS conducted a thorough inspection of the route, employing a motor trolley and on-foot assessments, followed by speed trials using a diesel engine-driven inspection special train. This concluding 29.5 km portion, characterized by hilly terrain, incorporates 32 tunnels and 35 major bridges. With the CRS inspection concluded in June 2025, the complete 51.38 km railway line is now prepared, promising a transformative impact on Mizoram’s transportation infrastructure.