In a move to accommodate the significant spike in passenger demand during the holiday season, the Northeast Frontier Railway will operate two special train services between Guwahati and Aizawl. Mizoram’s Rajya Sabha MP, K Vanlalvena, announced the initiative following a formal request he made to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Highlighting the heavy rush typical of the festive period, Vanlalvena confirmed that the Minister accepted the proposal to ensure smoother travel for those heading home for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The scheduled services will utilize 14-coach trains to bridge the gap between the two regional hubs. According to the MP, the special trains are slated to depart from Guwahati for Aizawl on December 22 and 24. Return services from Aizawl to Guwahati are scheduled for December 23 and 25, respectively. This strategic timing is designed to provide maximum flexibility for travelers during the peak of the festivities, ensuring that the surge in commuters does not result in total gridlock for regional transport.
Beyond local commuters, the special trains are expected to provide essential relief for residents of Mizoram and Manipur currently living in Delhi and other major metropolitan areas. Many of these individuals often face difficulties securing direct tickets to Aizawl during the high-demand December window. By offering these additional berths, the railway department is enabling a viable secondary route via Guwahati, allowing more people to reach their families in time for the holidays despite the scarcity of direct long-distance options.
The introduction of these services also carries broader regional significance due to shifting travel patterns in the Northeast. Vanlalvena pointed out that Mizoram has increasingly become a vital transit corridor for Kuki-Zo people from Manipur. In the wake of ethnic violence that has made the traditional Imphal route untenable for many, travelers are frequently opting to transit through Mizoram when moving between their villages and other parts of India. These special train frequencies are therefore seen as a critical addition to the regional infrastructure during a time of both high seasonal demand and unique social necessity.
