Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday dedicated Mizoram’s first railway line, the Bairabi-Sairang line to the nation, highlighting how it will be a “lifeline of transformation” by helping people avail better services and local businesses will get access to the rest of the country.

“This is not just a railway connection, but it is a lifeline of transportation. It will revolutionise the lives and livelihoods of people of Mizoram. Farmers and businesses of Mizoram can reach more markets across the nation,” the prime minister said.

Calling the inauguration of the railway line a “historic day”, PM Modi said: “This is a historic day, particularly for the people of Mizoram. From today, Aizwal will be on India’s railway map. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to lay the foundation stone for the Aizwal railway line. Today we proudly dedicate it to the people of the nation.”

Architectural Marvel

Conceptualised 26 years ago, the 51.38 km railway line traverses one of India’s most difficult terrains.

The railway line includes 48 tunnels stretching almost 13 kilometres in total, along with more than 40 bridges. One of the most remarkable is Bridge No. 196, which towers 104 meters above the ground—42 meters higher than the Qutub Minar in Delhi. Carved through thick forests, rugged hills, and areas vulnerable to landslides, the line stands as a testament to determined engineering and careful planning.

Aizawl will be the fourth north-eastern capital after Assam, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh to be linked to the national rail network.

How does it help commuters?

Until now, the journey between Bairabi and Sairang meant long, difficult road travel through mountainous terrain. The new rail line cuts travel time between Aizawl and Silchar to just three hours, compared to seven by road.

In July, News18 had reported that the ministry is planning to introduce Vande Bharat and Rajdhani services from Aizawl based on feasibility and demands. These trains will allow the people of Aizawl to easily reach the country’s major cities, and it will be convenient for them to come and go during festivals.

“Mizoram had no train link till now. This project will transform connectivity in the Northeast,” said KK Sharma, CPRO, Northeast Frontier Railway.

The state government also estimates that tourist arrivals will increase by 50 per cent within the next five years which will help push up sales in hotels, homestays, handicraft markets and transport services.

Apart from the tourism and trade perspectives, the new railway line strengthens India’s border infrastructure in a region close to the India-Myanmar border, critical from a national security perspective. It could potentially support military logistics and disaster response in this sensitive border region in case of an exigency.