Is the Mizoram Bairabi-Sairang Rail Line Set to Transform Connectivity and Tourism?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Bairabi-Sairang railway line enhances connectivity in Mizoram.
- The line reduces travel time significantly between major cities.
- It is expected to boost tourism and trade in the region.
- The project faced various engineering challenges due to the landscape.
- Inauguration by PM Modi marks a key milestone for Indian Railways.
Aizawl, June 30 (NationPress) In a significant advancement for the Northeast, the highly anticipated Bairabi-Sairang railway line in Mizoram has reached completion. This 51.38 km long railway line is poised for inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In an interview with IANS, Vinod Kumar, Chief Engineer of the project, stated, “This has been one of the most challenging projects undertaken by Indian Railways, with each segment presenting its own unique obstacles. The region's heavy rainfall limits the working season to merely four months a year.”
The Bairabi-Sairang line establishes a direct connection from the capital of Mizoram, Aizawl, to the Indian railway network. Previously, the railway extended only to Bairabi, necessitating road travel to Aizawl, which is frequently hampered by landslides and weather-related disruptions.
The completion of this line facilitates direct rail access from cities like Silchar and Guwahati to Aizawl, significantly diminishing travel time and logistical challenges.
Four newly constructed stations in Mizoram, namely Hortoki, Kawnpui, Mualkhang, and Sairang, will support this new rail line. It is anticipated to enhance passenger travel while also providing a substantial boost to tourism and trade in the region.
Currently, road travel between Silchar and Aizawl takes approximately eight hours; however, this will be reduced to just three hours by train. Similarly, road travel from Guwahati to Aizawl, which typically spans 14-18 hours, will now take around 12 hours by rail.
The foundation stone was laid by PM Modi on November 29, 2014, and it has taken nearly 11 years to complete the project.
Costing approximately Rs 5,021.45 crore, the project includes 48 tunnels totaling 12,853 meters in length and 142 iron bridges built to navigate the region's challenging terrain.
The completion of the rail line connecting Bairabi and Sairang is anticipated to be a transformative factor for connectivity and economic development in Mizoram.