Mizoram Unveils Engineering Feat with Bairabi Sairang Rail Link Featuring 32 Tunnels and 55 Bridges
Mizoram has officially marked a historic milestone in its infrastructural development with the completion of the 51.8-kilometre Bairabi–Sairang rail line—an engineering triumph that boasts 32 tunnels and 55 bridges, executed across one of the most challenging terrains in Northeast India. The project, launched under the Centre’s vision to connect every Northeastern state by rail, is being hailed as a marvel of modern railway construction.
This newly completed railway stretch is not just a logistical success but a structural wonder. With tunnels spanning over 15.8 kilometres and bridges covering 5.9 kilometres, this route is unprecedented in terms of density of engineering structures. Among these, the tallest bridge towers at 104 metres near Sairang, gracefully linking two distant hilltops.
To ensure long-term durability and minimal maintenance, ballastless track systems were introduced for the first time in this region, specifically within the tunnels. Unlike conventional tracks, these are designed to last a century without major upkeep and can be easily cleaned and maintained.
What sets this project apart is its strategic response to past railway challenges in the region. Learning from the frequent landslide disruptions on the Lumding–Silchar line—where extensive hill-cutting made the terrain unstable—the engineers behind the Bairabi–Sairang line took a different approach. Instead of slicing into hills, they tunneled through them and connected elevations with bridges, ensuring structural stability and environmental harmony.
The ₹800 crore project also includes three additional stations apart from the major termini. To support construction and future accessibility, the Railways built connecting roads from National Highways to each station—providing a lasting public utility for surrounding communities.
First envisioned in 2014 with a foundation stone laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the completion of this line now places Mizoram firmly on the national rail map. The Indian Railways is also exploring the possibility of extending this line up to the Myanmar border, aiming to bolster international connectivity and trade.
This line not only improves intra-state and regional mobility but is poised to unlock immense socio-economic potential for Mizoram and the broader Northeast. It stands as a testament to India’s commitment to inclusive infrastructure and to the technical ingenuity required to make such visions a reality.
