Mizoram's Bairabi–Sairang rail link ready for inauguration, promises major boost to northeast connectivity

The long-anticipated 51.38-kilometre Bairabi–Sairang railway line, connecting Mizoram’s capital Aizawl to the national railway network via Silchar, stands completed and awaits formal inauguration. 

Sanctioned in 2008–09 and declared a project of national importance, the railway corridor marks a historic step toward enhancing connectivity and infrastructure in the Northeast.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the project in 2014. Over the span of 11 years, engineers have built an ambitious line featuring 48 tunnels and several bridges, navigating the region's challenging terrain with precision and planning.

Chief Signal and Telecommunication Engineer Vijay Kumar Chaudhary described the Bairabi–Sairang line as a “dream project” for the region. “Safety remains our top priority,” Chaudhary said. “The signal design ensures operational security, and once operational, this line will significantly boost tourism in Mizoram. The project is ready. It now depends on the Government of India to announce the date of inauguration.”

Divisional Electrical Engineer Md Zahid Akhtar highlighted the project's eco-conscious engineering features. “We’ve installed LED lighting inside the tunnels for environmental efficiency. The cables used are low-smoke and non-toxic in case of accidents. Solar power integration is already underway, and we plan to establish a dedicated solar plant soon,” he stated.

Once operational, the Bairabi–Sairang line is expected to catalyze economic activity, tourism, and regional mobility—ushering in a new era of development in Mizoram and the broader Northeast.