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A landmark moment awaits Mizoram as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the state’s first Rajdhani Express on September 13, connecting Sairang near Aizawl with the national capital Delhi’s Anand Vihar station. This milestone, achieved after decades of planning and construction, will integrate Mizoram more closely with the rest of India’s railway network, enhancing connectivity and socioeconomic opportunities.
Key Highlights Of The Railway Line And Rajdhani Express Launch
The newly completed 51.38-km broad-gauge Bairabi-Sairang railway line, built at a cost of around ₹8,000 crore, is an engineering marvel featuring 48 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 87 minor bridges. The total tunnel length is 12,853 meters.
The inaugural service will be a 20-coach Rajdhani Express covering approximately 2,510 km, taking about 43 hours and 25 minutes at an average speed of 57.81 km/h.
Regular weekly Rajdhani services commence on September 19 from Sairang at 4:30 PM every Friday, reaching Anand Vihar by 10:50 AM Sunday. Returns start from Anand Vihar at 7:50 PM on Sundays.
The train stops at 21 stations en route, including major junctions like Guwahati, New Cooch Behar, New Jalpaiguri, Malda Town, Bhagalpur, Patna, Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, and Kanpur.
Due to pending electrification of the Bairabi-Sairang section, the train will be hauled by a diesel locomotive up to Guwahati, where an electric locomotive will take over until Anand Vihar.
Details Of The Bairabi-Sairang Railway Line Project
The 51.38 km stretch connects Bairabi, a town near Mizoram’s border with Assam, to Sairang, located 12-20 km from Aizawl.
Conceived in 1999 and converted from meter gauge to broad gauge in 2016, the project faced multiple challenges including difficult terrain and multiple landslides.
The challenging alignment through mountainous landscape required construction of complex tunnels and bridges, showcasing remarkable engineering feats.
The successful completion brings Mizoram’s capital onto India’s national rail map for the first time.
Apart from the Rajdhani Express, PM Modi will also inaugurate two other rail services: a daily express between Sairang and Guwahati, and a tri-weekly service connecting Sairang and Kolkata, boosting regional connectivity and commerce.
Transformative Impact On Mizoram And Northeast India
The railway line will substantially reduce travel time and improve access to healthcare, education, trade, and tourism for Mizoram residents.
Direct rail connectivity to Delhi opens avenues for greater economic integration and cultural exchange between the Northeast and mainland India.
The project is expected to drive development, generate employment, and enhance infrastructure in this strategically important but previously isolated region.
Integration into the Indian Railways’ premium service network, through the Rajdhani Express, elevates the region’s connectivity status.
Looking Ahead: Expanding India’s Rail Network In The Northeast
The Mizoram rail project reflects India’s broader focus on improving infrastructure and connectivity in its Northeastern states.
Electrification of the Bairabi-Sairang section is likely to be prioritized to enhance efficiency and reduce dependence on diesel locomotives.
Additional railway projects and enhanced connectivity lines are expected to follow, aiming for seamless integration with neighboring states and international borders.
The inauguration marks a significant milestone in realizing India’s vision of inclusive development and “Act East” policy outreach.
This historic rail launch is a significant step forward for Mizoram and the entire Northeast, promising enhanced transportation links, economic growth, and national integration through state-of-the-art rail connectivity.
Sources: Women Survivors Network, Sentinel Assam, Times of India, Indian Express, Indian Today NE, Business Standard, Deccan Herald
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