Is Aizawl Set to Become the 4th Northeastern State Capital with Rail Connectivity?
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Synopsis
Mizoram's Aizawl is on the verge of becoming the fourth capital city in Northeast India with railway access. The new line connecting Bhairabi and Sairang is set for inauguration, promising to revolutionize travel and connectivity in the region. This project signifies a crucial step toward enhancing economic and social growth for Mizoram.
Key Takeaways
- Aizawl becomes the fourth capital in Northeast India with rail connectivity.
- The new railway line spans 51.38 km connecting Bhairabi and Sairang.
- The project includes 48 tunnels and 55 major bridges.
- Anticipated benefits include improved tourism and industry support.
- Inauguration expected in June 2023.
Guwahati, May 2 (NationPress) Mizoram’s Aizawl is set to become the fourth capital city in the northeastern region to be integrated into the railway network next month. The 51.38 km new railway line connecting Bhairabi (located near Assam's Hailakandi district) to Sairang (near Aizawl) is anticipated to be inaugurated in June, according to an official statement made on Friday.
Prior to this, the railway network has already serviced Guwahati (alongside its capital Dispur), Agartala (capital of Tripura), and Naharlagun (close to Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh) for several years.
The Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, announced that a significant milestone was reached with the successful completion of the inaugural trial run to Sairang on Thursday.
This accomplishment represents a crucial advancement in enhancing rail connectivity across the northeastern states, marking Mizoram as the fourth state capital in the region to connect with the national railway grid.
The historic trial run was overseen by NFR General Manager (Construction) Arun Kumar Chaudhary, along with other senior railway officials.
Post-trial run, Chaudhary provided a detailed briefing on the scope, progress, and strategic significance of the Bhairabi-Sairang railway project to Mizoram Governor General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd) and Chief Minister Lalduhoma. He also mentioned that construction is progressing smoothly.
An inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety is set for early June, with the formal inauguration of the Bhairabi–Sairang railway line likely to follow after June 17.
During the meeting, Chaudhary also discussed the engineering challenges that were successfully addressed during the construction and highlighted the expected economic and social advantages this project is likely to bring to the region.
The 51.38 km Bhairabi-Sairang railway line is a remarkable engineering achievement for Indian Railways, featuring 48 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 87 minor bridges.
The total length of tunnels in this project is 12,853 meters, with bridge number 196 rising to a height of 104 meters, surpassing the Qutb Minar by 42 meters. The project also includes five Road over Bridges and six Road under Bridges.
The CPRO further detailed that the new line is divided into four sections: Bhairabi – Hortoki, Hortoki – Kawnpui, Kawnpui – Mualkhang, and Mualkhang – Sairang.
The Northeast Frontier Railway is dedicated to the swift completion of this new rail project, which will greatly enhance connectivity in Mizoram.
The project aims to promote local tourism, support small-scale industries, and lower transportation costs for both passengers and goods. It will significantly reduce travel time between Mizoram’s capital and the rest of the nation, while ensuring improved access to essential supplies and facilitating long-distance travel throughout the country, as stated by Sharma.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of infrastructure development in enhancing connectivity across India's northeastern states. The integration of Aizawl into the railway network not only promotes regional growth but also strengthens national unity and accessibility.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the length of the new railway line?
The new railway line between Bhairabi and Sairang is 51.38 kilometers long.
When is the inauguration of the railway line expected?
The inauguration of the Bhairabi–Sairang railway line is expected to take place in June, likely after June 17.
What are the main benefits of this railway project?
The project aims to enhance local tourism, support small-scale industries, reduce transportation costs, and improve access to essential supplies.
Who conducted the trial run for the railway line?
The trial run was successfully conducted by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) team, including General Manager Arun Kumar Chaudhary.
How many tunnels and bridges are included in the project?
The Bhairabi-Sairang railway project includes 48 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 87 minor bridges.
