Aizawl Railway Link: Engineering Marvel Set to Open for Public in September

By Mir Altaf

The ambitious Bairabi–Sairang railway project, which will connect Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram to the Indian Railways network for the first time, is nearing completion and is scheduled to be inaugurated in September this year. Stretching over 51.38 kilometers through rugged mountainous terrain, the project is being hailed as a testament to the engineering prowess of Indian Railways.

According to Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railway, Captain Kishore Sharma, the railway line will pass through 48 tunnels and over 142 bridges, making it one of the most challenging and complex railway constructions in the northeastern region. A successful trial run has already been conducted, clearing the way for public operations.

"This project is not just a railway line — it is an engineering milestone," said Sharma. “Of particular note is Bridge No. 196, which stands at a height of 114 meters, making it India’s second-highest pier bridge, taller than the Qutub Minar by 42 meters. It is a stunning example of modern engineering.”

The line has been designed with a strong cultural identity as well. Sharma noted that several of the tunnels and stations along the route have been adorned with local Mizoram art and motifs, blending infrastructure with heritage.

The Bairabi–Sairang project was launched in 2014 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying its foundation stone. Since then, Northern Railway has pushed forward with its completion in phases. The project received final clearance from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) in June 2025, paving the way for its operational launch.

Once inaugurated, Mizoram will become the fourth northeastern state whose capital is directly connected to the national railway network. The development is expected to significantly boost tourism, trade, and employment opportunities in the region, contributing to the overall socio-economic growth of Mizoram and the Northeast.

“This new railway line will not only provide direct connectivity between Aizawl and the rest of the country but will also make travel more accessible, efficient, and comfortable for locals and tourists alike,” Sharma added.

Residents in the region have expressed excitement and anticipation as they await the arrival of passenger trains on the new route — a long-awaited development that promises to transform connectivity in Mizoram.