Aizawl: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Mizoram’s first-ever railway line and flagged off the state’s maiden Rajdhani Express, marking a historic milestone in the state’s connectivity with the rest of India.
The Bairabi–Sairang railway line, built at a cost of ₹8,070 crore, is being hailed as one of the most challenging projects ever undertaken by Indian Railways. Sanctioned in 2008–09, construction of the ambitious project began in 2015 and has now culminated in Mizoram being directly linked to the national capital by rail for the first time.
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The 51.38 km railway route is an engineering marvel, featuring 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 87 minor bridges that cut through the difficult terrain of the northeastern state. Officials noted that the project faced numerous challenges due to hilly landscapes, heavy rainfall, and logistical hurdles but has finally been completed after years of sustained effort.
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With the launch of the Rajdhani Express, Aizawl now joins other northeastern capitals on the country’s premier rail map, offering faster and more reliable connectivity for passengers and goods. The development is expected to boost trade, tourism, and socio-economic growth in Mizoram, while also strengthening integration with the national transport network.
Railway officials said the line will play a crucial role in reducing transportation costs and improving market access for the state’s farmers and entrepreneurs.