The much-awaited Bairabi–Sairang railway line in Mizoram has been completed and now awaits formal inauguration. The 51.38-kilometre railway stretch will soon link the state capital Aizawl to the Indian Railways network via Silchar, drastically improving connectivity and laying the groundwork for economic and tourism growth. Sanctioned in 2008–09 and declared a project of national importance, the Bairabi–Sairang line has been over a decade in the making. The project reached a major milestone with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying its foundation stone in 2014, initiating years of intricate engineering through hilly and forested terrain.
Built over 11 years, the project showcases engineering excellence with 48 tunnels and numerous bridges, designed to overcome Mizoram’s challenging topography. According to Chief Signal and Telecommunication Engineer Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, the line is not just about transport—it represents hope and opportunity for an entire region. “This is a dream project for Mizoram,” he said. “Safety is at the core of our design. The signalling system has been built to meet the highest standards, ensuring smooth and secure operations. Once operational, the line will also open new avenues for tourism.”
The infrastructure is not only robust but also environmentally conscious. Divisional Electrical Engineer Md Zahid Akhtar highlighted the sustainable features embedded in the project. “We’ve installed LED lighting inside the tunnels for better energy efficiency. The cables are low-smoke and non-toxic to reduce risks in emergencies. A solar integration plan is already underway, and we’re working toward establishing a dedicated solar plant to further power operations sustainably,” he said.
