Tracks to Tomorrow: PM Modi Flags Off Mizoram’s First Railway Line

In a historic moment for the Northeast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Mizoram’s first-ever railway line, the Bairabi–Sairang rail corridor, marking the state’s official entry onto India’s railway map. The ₹8,070 crore infrastructure marvel not only connects Mizoram’s capital, Aizawl, to the rest of the country but also symbolizes a new era of economic integration, mobility, and regional development.

 

The inauguration ceremony, held at Lengpui Airport, was attended virtually by thousands across the state, with PM Modi addressing the gathering via video due to inclement weather. “This is a historic day for the nation, particularly for the people of Mizoram,” he said. “Aizawl will be on the Indian railway map today. I proudly dedicate it to the people of the country”.

 

Engineering Feat in the Hills

The 51.38-kilometre Bairabi–Sairang railway line is one of the most challenging projects undertaken by Indian Railways. Built across rugged terrain and dense forests, the line features:

Bridge No. 144, India’s tallest pier railway bridge at 114 meters, taller than the Qutub Minar

 

The route connects key stations including Hortoki, Kawnpui, Mualkhang, and Sairang, culminating in a direct link to Bairabi, which sits on the Assam–Mizoram border. This connection now enables Aizawl to join Guwahati, Kolkata, and Delhi via long-distance express trains.

 

Flagging Off New Connectivity

To mark the occasion, PM Modi also flagged off three new express trains:

These services will drastically reduce travel time and improve access to healthcare, education, and markets for Mizoram’s residents. “For the first time, Mizoram will be connected to Delhi by Rajdhani Express. It will revolutionise the lives and livelihood of the people of Mizoram,” Modi said.

 

Economic & Social Impact

The rail line is expected to be a game-changer for Mizoram’s economy. With improved freight connectivity, the state will benefit from:

Officials from the Northeast Frontier Railway emphasized that the project fulfills a long-standing demand of the Mizoram public and aligns with the government’s Act East Policy.

 

Long Road to Completion

The Bairabi–Sairang line was sanctioned in 2008–09, with construction beginning in 2015. The project faced multiple hurdles, including difficult terrain, monsoon disruptions, and logistical challenges. It was finally cleared by the Commissioner of Railway Safety in June 2025, paving the way for its commissioning2.

 

Despite delays, the completion of this line is being hailed as a triumph of engineering and perseverance. “The skills of our engineers and the spirit of our workers made this possible,” Modi noted.

 

A Vision for the Northeast

The inauguration is part of PM Modi’s broader two-day Northeast tour, which includes visits to Manipur and the laying of foundation stones for multiple infrastructure projects under the PM-DevINE scheme. These include:

The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to inclusive development, stating, “Our hearts have always been directly connected to each other. This railway line is a bridge of unity and progress”.

 

Sources: MSN, Hindustan Times, The Hindu