Guwahati, Feb 13 (NationPress) The arrival of the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC tourist train at Sairang railway station marks a historic milestone in Mizoram’s railway connectivity. This significant event occurred under the ‘North East Discovery’ circuit, as officials announced on Friday, paving the way for enhanced tourism and transport infrastructure within the state.

According to the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, this luxury tourist train brought 81 travelers from various parts of India and abroad, including the United States and Nepal, highlighting Mizoram’s increasing prominence on both national and international tourism platforms.

The train made its inaugural arrival on Thursday at Sairang, situated just 20 km from Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram.

Sharma further noted that the historic inauguration of the 51.38 km Bairabi-Sairang Railway Line by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 13, 2025, has significantly boosted tourism in Mizoram, evidenced by a steady increase in tourist arrivals over the past six months.

With improved accessibility, both domestic and international visitors are flocking to the state, contributing to job creation in the hospitality sector, promoting eco-tourism and cultural tourism, and establishing Mizoram as a promising destination in the Northeast, in line with the broader vision of inclusive growth and regional integration, he emphasized.

Since the commencement of services on the Bairabi-Sairang route in September 2025, the public response has been exceptional. The Sairang-Anand Vihar Rajdhani Express has recorded occupancy rates surpassing 147% and 154% in both directions. Additionally, the Sairang-Guwahati Express and Sairang-Kolkata Express have also shown remarkable occupancy levels exceeding 100%, reflecting a strong demand and positive public reception for the railway services from Sairang.

Recently, on February 9, 2026, a new train service connecting Sairang to Silchar in southern Assam was inaugurated by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, further enhancing regional mobility and linking Mizoram with the vital educational, medical, and commercial hub of the Barak Valley in Assam.

The Barak Valley encompasses the districts of Cachar, Sribhumi (formerly Karimganj), and Hailakandi.

The CPRO also reported that freight operations on the Bairabi-Sairang segment have gained considerable traction since its commissioning. The inaugural freight rake, consisting of 21 cement wagons, successfully reached Sairang shortly after inauguration, marking the beginning of regular freight operations to the state.

Moreover, a diverse range of freight materials including cement, sand, stone chips, essential goods, and automobiles have been successfully transported.

Notably, the first inward automobile rake, transporting 119 passenger vehicles, was received at Sairang, showcasing the line’s potential to handle high-value bulk consignments, according to the railway official.

The NFR has also initiated efforts to enhance parcel logistics, including introducing refrigerated parcel van services to aid in transporting horticultural and perishable goods, thereby broadening market access for local farmers and traders while streamlining logistics.

CPRO Sharma affirmed that the NFR remains dedicated to further enhancing railway infrastructure, improving service quality, and expanding both passenger and freight operations in the region, ensuring that railway connectivity continues to be a catalyst for inclusive growth and sustainable socio-economic development across Mizoram and the broader Northeast.