Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, is on the cusp of a significant infrastructural milestone as the Bairabi–Sairang railway line nears completion.
This 51.38 km broad gauge line, connecting the Assam–Mizoram border at Bairabi to Sairang, approximately 20 km from Aizawl, is poised to revolutionise transportation in the region. With 95% of construction completed, the line is expected to be inaugurated after June 17, 2025. The project, sanctioned in 2008–09 and initiated in 2015, has faced numerous challenges due to Mizoram’s rugged terrain, dense forests, and seismic activity. Despite these obstacles, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has made significant progress. The line comprises 55 major and 89 minor bridges, 32 tunnels, and five road-over bridges, with 12,807 meters of tunneling completed out of a total of 12,853 meters.
A notable engineering feat is the completion of Pier P-4 of Bridge No. 196 near Sairang, standing at 104 meters—42 meters taller than the Qutub Minar. This bridge, along with others, has been designed to withstand seismic activity, with structural integrity verified by institutions like IIT Guwahati and IIT Kanpur. The railway line will feature four stations: Hortoki, Kawnpui, Mualkhang, and Sairang. A successful trial run has already been conducted on the Bairabi–Hortoki section, and services up to Mualkhang are expected to commence shortly. The full line is anticipated to be operational by July 2025.
This development is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Mizoram and Assam, facilitating smoother transportation of goods and passengers. It is also anticipated to boost the state’s economy by promoting tourism and improving access to essential services. The project has been executed with a focus on sustainability, aligning with the broader vision of enhancing regional connectivity and development. As Mizoram prepares to be integrated into India’s national railway network, the Bairabi–Sairang railway line stands as a testament to engineering excellence and a commitment to regional development. The completion of this project marks a new era in the state’s infrastructure, promising to bring lasting benefits to its residents and the broader Northeast region.
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