Aizawl, June 28, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the much-anticipated Bairabi–Sairang broad gauge railway line in July 2025, a historic development that will connect Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, to the Indian railway network for the first time since independence.
The 51.38-kilometre railway line, constructed by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), marks a significant milestone in Mizoram’s infrastructure growth and regional integration. Once operational, Aizawl will become the fourth state capital in the Northeast - after Guwahati (Assam), Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh), and Agartala (Tripura) - to be connected by rail.
The railway line is divided into four sections: Bairabi–Hortoki (16.72 km), Hortoki–Kawnpui (9.71 km), Kawnpui–Mualkhang (12.11 km), and Mualkhang–Sairang (12.84 km). These segments were completed in phases between July 2024 and June 2025. The final section, Hortoki to Sairang, received safety clearance from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) after a detailed inspection conducted from June 6 to 10, 2025. The section has been approved for train operations at speeds up to 90 km/h.
The Bairabi–Sairang project has been described as an engineering marvel, featuring 48 tunnels with a total length of 12.85 km, 55 major bridges, 87 minor bridges, and a standout 104-meter-high pier bridge- one of the tallest in India. These challenging constructions were necessary to overcome Mizoram’s hilly and rugged terrain.
Beyond its engineering significance, the new railway line is expected to have a transformative socio-economic impact. It will facilitate improved passenger travel, faster freight movement, and enhanced access to markets, boosting trade, tourism, and economic opportunities for the people of Mizoram. The project is also a strategic step in strengthening connectivity in India’s Northeastern region.
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With nearly 94.5% physical and 97% financial progress reported, officials from NFR have confirmed that the line is ready for inauguration pending final scheduling by the Prime Minister’s Office. Once launched, this project will not only enhance mobility but also represent a long-awaited dream come true for Mizoram’s citizens.
