PM inaugurated the ₹8,070 crore Bairabi–Sairang broad gauge railway line, providing Mizoram’s capital Aizawl with its first-ever direct railway connectivity. Also flagged off three new train services:
- Aizawl (Sairang) – Delhi Rajdhani Express
- Sairang – Kolkata Express
- Sairang – Guwahati Express
Additionally, foundation stones worth ₹9,000 crore were laid for multiple infrastructure projects, including:
- 45 km Aizawl bypass road
- 30 TMTPA Gas Bottling Plant
- Multiple state road projects
- Residential school at Kawrthah (Mamit district) & Eklavya Model Residential School at Tlangnuam (Aizawl).
Key Highlights of Railway Line
- Length: 51.38 km broad-gauge line.
- Construction Cost: ~₹8,000 crore.
- Timeline: Took 11 years to complete.
- Connectivity: Links Aizawl to the rest of India via Silchar & Bhodahpur Junction.
- Significance: Aizawl becomes the 4th NE capital city after Guwahati, Agartala, and Itanagar connected to Indian Railways.
Engineering Marvel
- Built in one of the most challenging terrains of NE India.
- Structures Built:
- 48 tunnels (12.85 km total)
- 55 major bridges (including Krung Bridge at Sairang – tallest in India at 114 m)
- 87 minor bridges, 5 road overbridges, 6 road underbridges
- 200 km of approach roads built for construction access.
- Iconic Bridge No. 196:
- Height: 114 m (taller than Qutub Minar by 42 m)
- Landmark of the project.
- Longest Tunnel (No. 40): Over 1.37 km.
- Faced natural barriers, transport issues, and a tragic bridge collapse in 2023 (26 workers killed).
Economic & Social Opportunities
Freight & Travel:
- Lowers transport costs by 20%.
- Faster and cheaper freight & passenger movement.
Economic Impact:
- Expected annual boost of ₹500–700 crore to Mizoram’s GSDP.
- Will enhance trade in bamboo, cane handicrafts, textiles (Puanchei), and local produce.
Tourism:
- Improves access to Mizoram’s scenic landscapes, boosting eco-tourism.
Healthcare:
- Mizoram has highest cancer incidence in India.
- Easier connectivity to healthcare hubs in Guwahati & Kolkata, reducing time and costs for patients.
Challenges Faced
- Difficult hilly terrain requiring massive tunneling and bridge construction.
- Logistics: transporting construction material over 200 km of new roads.
- Safety: 2023 bridge collapse tragedy but project completed successfully.
Gateway to Growth
- This railway line is a turning point for Mizoram’s integration with India’s economic corridors.
- Expected to reshape economy, healthcare, education, and trade in the state.
Rail Connectivity in Northeast
- Connected Capitals: Guwahati (Assam), Agartala (Tripura), Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh), and now Aizawl (Mizoram).
- Pending Capitals: Imphal (Manipur), Shillong (Meghalaya), Kohima (Nagaland).
- Shillong rail project faces opposition from Khasi groups fearing demographic changes.
About Indian Railways
- Founded: 1853 (first train Bombay–Thane, 21 miles).
- Network Size: 4th largest in the world (after USA, China, Russia).
- Revenue Split (2022–23): 69% freight, 24% passenger, 7% others.
- GDP Contribution: ~1.5% of India’s GDP (FY24).
- National Rail Plan (NRP) 2030: To modernize & build a future-ready railway system.
- Future Projection: By 2050, India expected to contribute ~40% of global rail activity.
Mizoram
- Capital: Aizawl.
- Population: ~12 lakh (2nd least populated state in India after Sikkim).
- Borders: Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Bangladesh, Myanmar.
- Known for: Bamboo & cane handicrafts, textiles (Puanchei), highest literacy rate among NE states.