A New Lifeline for Mizoram

For over a century, since the introduction of railways to India, Mizoram has remained disconnected from the national rail network. That changed on Saturday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Bairabi–Sairang railway line. This 51.38-km broad-gauge project is a historic milestone that fulfills a long-standing aspiration for the people of Mizoram, making its capital, Aizawl, the fourth northeastern capital to be connected by rail.

The project, which cost over ₹8,070 crore, is seen as a "lifeline of transformation" for the state. It is set to improve connectivity, boost trade and tourism, and accelerate socio-economic development in the region.

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An Engineering Marvel in Hilly Terrain

Constructing the railway line through Mizoram's rugged and challenging terrain was a feat of engineering. The project, which was sanctioned in 2008-09 and began construction in 2015, includes:

• 45 tunnels built under complex geological conditions.

• 55 major bridges and 88 minor bridges.

• One iconic bridge (Bridge No. 196) that stands at an impressive 114 meters, making it 42 meters taller than the Qutub Minar in Delhi.

This new rail link will drastically reduce travel time between Aizawl and Silchar from about 10 hours by road to just three hours by train. It will also ensure the timely supply of essential commodities like food grains and fertilizers.

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New Express Trains to Link Mizoram to Major Cities

To celebrate the inauguration, PM Modi also flagged off three new express train services:

• Aizawl–Delhi Rajdhani Express: This weekly service will directly connect the capital of Mizoram with the national capital.

• Aizawl–Kolkata Express: This tri-weekly train will provide a direct link to Kolkata.

• Aizawl–Guwahati Express: This daily service will facilitate movement between Mizoram and Assam.

These new services will provide safe, efficient, and cost-effective travel options, while also strengthening educational, cultural, and economic ties across the region.

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Looking Ahead

In addition to the railway projects, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for other development projects worth over ₹9,000 crore, including new roads, an LPG bottling plant, and educational institutions. The inauguration of the Bairabi–Sairang railway line is a major step in the government's commitment to enhancing last-mile connectivity and infrastructure in Northeast India.

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Interested in learning more?

This project is a great example of large-scale engineering. If you're a student interested in the technology that makes such feats possible, check out our guide on DevOps Tools.