The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mizoram Tourism Department next week to promote eco-friendly and spiritual tourism while strengthening travel connectivity in the Northeast.
The agreement is designed to position Mizoram as a key destination for both eco-tourists and cultural travellers from India and abroad. Confirming the partnership, IRCTC tourism officer Lalsawmliana Hmar said the initiative will play a crucial role in enhancing the state’s tourism visibility. “This collaboration will highlight Mizoram’s natural beauty and rich cultural traditions, making it more accessible to both domestic and international travelers,” said Hmar. IRCTC will spearhead promotional campaigns showcasing Mizoram’s landscapes and heritage while offering customised travel packages. These will include not only inbound tourism options for visitors to Mizoram but also outbound international travel opportunities for state residents, covering countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and several European nations.
As part of its expanding spiritual tourism portfolio, IRCTC recently organised a pilot Christian pilgrimage tour for pastors from Mizoram. The group visited biblical sites including Corinth, Thessaloniki, Athens, and Patmos in Greece, along with Rome in Italy. Following the success of this initiative, IRCTC plans to organise similar group pilgrimages in the future. “This initiative supports our broader mission of encouraging inclusive and spiritual tourism, particularly for communities in the Northeast,” Hmar added. Established in 1999, IRCTC is a Navratna Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways. It provides services in tourism, ticketing, and catering. The upcoming MoU is expected to boost Mizoram’s economy through responsible tourism while preserving its ecological and cultural values.
The partnership is seen as a strategic step towards transforming Mizoram into a leading destination rooted in sustainability and inclusive development.
