Aizawl Becomes 4th NE Capital With Rail Link After Trial Success
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Aizawl Becomes 4th NE Capital With Rail Link After Trial Success

In a significant step towards enhancing connectivity in the North-East, Mizoram’s capital Aizawl has been linked to the national railway network through the newly completed Bairabi–Sairang line. This development marks a major milestone in the region’s infrastructure progress.

Previously, Bairabi in Kolasib district—located near the Assam border—served as the only railway station in Mizoram. The new line extends the network to Sairang, a satellite town situated about 20 km from Aizawl.

A senior official from the Ministry of Railways stated that the formal inauguration of the Bairabi–Sairang railway line is expected to take place after June 17. The Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) is scheduled to inspect the project this week, and the inauguration and commencement of operations will follow only upon successful completion of this inspection. The official added that the majority of construction work is complete, with only a few minor works pending.

The CRS inspection represents the final phase before train services can begin. A successful trial run was carried out by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) on May 1, symbolising a historic achievement for the state.

With this development, Mizoram becomes the fourth state in the North-East to have its capital connected to the national railway network, joining Assam, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Until now, railway access in Mizoram extended just 1.5 km beyond the state border. The Bairabi–Sairang New Line spans 51.38 km and has a revised sanctioned cost of Rs 50.21 billion.

According to data from the Ministry of Railways, the project has achieved 94.52 per cent physical progress and 97.13 per cent financial progress. It is divided into four sections: Bairabi–Hortoki (16.72 km), which was commissioned in July 2024; and the remaining sections—Hortoki–Kawnpui (9.71 km), Kawnpui–Mualkhang (12.11 km), and Mualkhang–Sairang (12.84 km)—are expected to be operational by June.

The project posed significant engineering challenges due to Mizoram’s difficult terrain. The line includes 48 tunnels stretching a combined 12,853 metres, 55 major bridges, 87 minor bridges, five Road Over Bridges (ROBs), and six Road Under Bridges (RUBs). Among its most remarkable structures is Bridge No. 196, which stands 104 metres tall—32 metres higher than the Qutub Minar.

The Bairabi–Sairang project forms part of the Ministry of Railways' broader strategy to connect all North-Eastern state capitals by rail and improve regional infrastructure. This includes a series of new line and doubling projects across Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur, and Tripura. However, progress in Meghalaya remains slow due to prolonged resistance from local pressure groups opposing rail connectivity in the state.

In a significant step towards enhancing connectivity in the North-East, Mizoram’s capital Aizawl has been linked to the national railway network through the newly completed Bairabi–Sairang line. This development marks a major milestone in the region’s infrastructure progress.Previously, Bairabi in Kolasib district—located near the Assam border—served as the only railway station in Mizoram. The new line extends the network to Sairang, a satellite town situated about 20 km from Aizawl.A senior official from the Ministry of Railways stated that the formal inauguration of the Bairabi–Sairang railway line is expected to take place after June 17. The Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) is scheduled to inspect the project this week, and the inauguration and commencement of operations will follow only upon successful completion of this inspection. The official added that the majority of construction work is complete, with only a few minor works pending.The CRS inspection represents the final phase before train services can begin. A successful trial run was carried out by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) on May 1, symbolising a historic achievement for the state.With this development, Mizoram becomes the fourth state in the North-East to have its capital connected to the national railway network, joining Assam, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh.Until now, railway access in Mizoram extended just 1.5 km beyond the state border. The Bairabi–Sairang New Line spans 51.38 km and has a revised sanctioned cost of Rs 50.21 billion.According to data from the Ministry of Railways, the project has achieved 94.52 per cent physical progress and 97.13 per cent financial progress. It is divided into four sections: Bairabi–Hortoki (16.72 km), which was commissioned in July 2024; and the remaining sections—Hortoki–Kawnpui (9.71 km), Kawnpui–Mualkhang (12.11 km), and Mualkhang–Sairang (12.84 km)—are expected to be operational by June.The project posed significant engineering challenges due to Mizoram’s difficult terrain. The line includes 48 tunnels stretching a combined 12,853 metres, 55 major bridges, 87 minor bridges, five Road Over Bridges (ROBs), and six Road Under Bridges (RUBs). Among its most remarkable structures is Bridge No. 196, which stands 104 metres tall—32 metres higher than the Qutub Minar.The Bairabi–Sairang project forms part of the Ministry of Railways' broader strategy to connect all North-Eastern state capitals by rail and improve regional infrastructure. This includes a series of new line and doubling projects across Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur, and Tripura. However, progress in Meghalaya remains slow due to prolonged resistance from local pressure groups opposing rail connectivity in the state.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?