Why in news?
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Bairabi–Sairang broad‑gauge railway line, giving Mizoram’s capital Aizawl direct rail connectivity for the first time. The project is a key element of India’s Act East policy and North‑East infrastructure push.
Background
For decades, Mizoram depended on Silchar in Assam and the distant meter‑gauge terminus at Bairabi for rail connectivity. The Indian Railways’ Vision 2020 included a plan to extend rail lines deeper into the North‑East to improve integration and stimulate economic growth. Work on the Bairabi–Sairang line began in phases, with the final stretch from Hortoki to Sairang commissioned in mid‑2025 after rigorous safety checks.
Key features
- Route length: 38 km of broad‑gauge track connecting Bairabi (on the Assam border) to Sairang, about 20 km north of Aizawl.
- Engineering marvel: The line includes 48 tunnels totalling 12.85 km, 55 major bridges and 87 minor bridges. Bridge No. 196 rises 104 m above the valley floor, taller than Delhi’s Qutub Minar.
- Sections: The project is divided into four segments — Bairabi–Hortoki, Hortoki–Kawnpui, Kawnpui–Mualkhang and Mualkhang–Sairang — with several road over‑bridges and under‑bridges for smooth traffic flow.
- Speed and cost: Trains are designed to run at 100 km/h, and the project cost is estimated at around ₹8,000 crore.
Significance
The railway will reduce travel time and logistics costs, providing Mizoram’s residents with easier access to markets, healthcare and education. It enhances freight movement of agricultural produce and essential commodities, supporting local businesses. By integrating the state more closely with the rest of India, the project reinforces the Act East policy, encourages tourism and fosters socio‑economic development in the border region.