Aizawl: Mizoram’s rail connectivity has completed its first year, with the 51.38-km Bairabi-Sairang railway line emerging as a key link for passenger travel, freight movement, tourism and local businesses in the hill state.
Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 13, 2025, the railway line has transformed Sairang into a new passenger and logistics gateway, connecting Mizoram more directly with the national railway network.
🛤️ Bairabi–Sairang railway line turns One, opening doors to endless opportunities https://t.co/BNXtbuzpOr
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) September 13, 2026
Over 15 lakh passengers, 1,100 train trips
The line, built through challenging hill terrain, includes 153 bridges and 45 tunnels stretching nearly 16 km. Six bridges are more than 70 metres high, with the tallest rising 114 metres.
Three long-distance services now connect Sairang with Guwahati, Kolkata and Delhi, while a passenger service links Sairang with Silchar. Together, the services have completed more than 1,100 trips and carried over 15 lakh passengers in the first year.
The trains have consistently recorded high occupancy, with the Kolkata service averaging over 140%, Guwahati service above 110% and the Sairang-Anand Vihar Rajdhani Express over 145%. Ticket sales have generated around Rs 54 crore.
Sairang railway station alone has handled more than 5.54 lakh passenger movements, averaging about 3,300 passengers a day.
Rail connectivity has also changed the movement of essential commodities and construction materials to Mizoram. The first freight train reached Sairang on September 14, 2025, carrying more than 26,000 bags of cement.
Since then, more than 2,500 freight wagons have been delivered at Sairang, with construction materials accounting for around 70% of the cargo. Rice, fertilisers and automobiles have also been transported by rail.
An automobile rake carrying 119 Maruti cars arrived in December 2025, providing a new supply channel for vehicles and helping reduce logistics costs.
According to the information released by the government, tourism in Mizoram has grown by over 86% since the introduction of rail connectivity. Easier access has benefited hotels, homestays, restaurants, taxis, guides and local markets.
Railways has also opened a national route for Mizoram’s local produce. The first parcel consignment from Sairang, carrying Anthurium flowers, was booked for Delhi on September 19, 2025.
Beyond passenger and freight movement, the railway is expected to improve access for students travelling outside the state for higher education, examinations, coaching and academic events.
The first year of the Bairabi-Sairang line has thus marked a shift from road-dependent connectivity towards a wider network of mobility, trade and economic opportunities for Mizoram.
