Mizoram’s 51.38-km Bairabi-Sairang railway line has completed one year of operations, carrying more than 15 lakh passengers across over 1,100 train trips, according to the Ministry of Railways. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 13, 2025, the railway line extended the national rail network to Sairang and brought rail connectivity closer to Aizawl, the state capital. Constructed through challenging hilly terrain, the route features 153 bridges and 45 tunnels covering nearly 16 km, including a bridge rising 114 metres above the ground. Passenger services linking Sairang with Guwahati, Kolkata, Delhi and Silchar have recorded strong demand, with several trains operating at more than full capacity. The Sairang-Anand Vihar Rajdhani Express recorded average occupancy of over 145 per cent, while Sairang-Kolkata and Sairang-Guwahati services registered occupancy levels of more than 140 per cent and 110 per cent, respectively. The railway line has also strengthened freight connectivity, with over 2,500 wagons transporting construction materials, essential commodities, fertilisers, foodgrains and automobiles to Sairang during the past year. Improved rail access has supported tourism and local businesses, while Mizoram’s handloom products, bamboo crafts and flowers have gained access to wider markets. The ministry also reported an increase of more than 86 per cent in tourism following the introduction of railway services. The Bairabi-Sairang line has therefore emerged as a major connectivity link for Mizoram, creating new opportunities for passengers, traders, students, entrepreneurs and the tourism sector while strengthening the state’s integration with the wider national transport network.
