Aizawl joins the Indian railway network as CRS authorizes the Hortoki–Sairang line, completing the Bairabi–Sairang project. This landmark boosts Mizoram’s connectivity, socio-economic development, and strategic integration through Indian Railways’ engineering marvel in Northeast India.
Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, has been officially connected to the Indian Railway network for the first time. This major milestone follows the successful commissioning and Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) authorisation of the final 33.864-kilometre Broad Gauge (BG) railway stretch from Hortoki to Sairang, thereby completing the 51.38 km Bairabi–Sairang New Line Railway Project.
This landmark achievement not only marks a new chapter in Mizoram’s infrastructure development but also fulfills a decades-old dream of the people of the state. The final inspection of the newly constructed railway segment was carried out by Shri Sumeet Singhal, Commissioner of Railway Safety, Northeast Frontier Circle, from June 6 to June 10, 2025. The CRS team conducted a meticulous safety inspection through motor trolley and on foot, followed by a successful speed trial using a diesel-hauled inspection special train.
With this completion, Mizoram is now fully integrated into the national railway grid. The operationalisation of the entire line is expected to usher in a wave of socio-economic growth, improved logistics, and enhanced connectivity for both passengers and freight. The significance of this achievement is immense for a landlocked state like Mizoram, which until now lacked direct railway access to its capital city.
The project is not just a rail line but a symbol of connectivity, inclusion, and national integration. The newly commissioned stretch from Hortoki to Sairang runs through hilly and challenging terrain, comprising 32 tunnels and 35 major bridges. The engineering effort required to construct this segment, while ensuring safety and structural integrity, has been lauded by railway officials and infrastructure experts alike.
Following the detailed inspection, the CRS granted approval for public carriage of goods and passengers at a maximum permissible speed of 90 kmph on the main line. This authorization is seen as a green signal to commence regular train operations that will greatly reduce travel time and costs for the people of Mizoram.
The Bairabi–Sairang New Line Railway Project is an extraordinary example of modern railway engineering. Spanning 51.38 kilometres in total, the project includes 48 tunnels with a combined length of 12,853 meters, 55 major bridges, and 87 minor bridges. One of the standout structures is Bridge No. 196, which rises to a height of 104 meters — 42 meters taller than Delhi’s iconic Qutub Minar.
Additionally, the railway line features five Road Over Bridges and six Road Under Bridges, further reflecting the complexity and scale of the undertaking. The entire project has been divided into four key sections: Bairabi–Hortoki, Hortoki–Kawnpui, Kawnpui–Mualkhang, and Mualkhang–Sairang, each designed to tackle different geographical challenges.
The project has been executed by Northeast Frontier Railway with impressive speed and efficiency, despite the geographical constraints posed by the hilly landscape and remote terrain. It stands as a testament to Indian Railways’ commitment to expanding connectivity to the remotest parts of the country.
Beyond its engineering brilliance, the project holds significant socio-economic and strategic importance. It is expected to stimulate trade, tourism, and employment opportunities, making Aizawl more accessible to the rest of the country. From a strategic standpoint, better connectivity to the Northeast also enhances national security and regional integration.
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This long-awaited rail link will not only ease the movement of people and goods but also integrate Mizoram more deeply into the national mainstream. The project is part of Indian Railways’ broader vision to develop critical infrastructure in Northeast India, which has often been overlooked in national development narratives.
The successful commissioning and CRS authorization of the Hortoki–Sairang stretch is more than just an infrastructure development — it is a landmark symbol of connectivity, unity, and progress for Mizoram and the entire Northeast region.
