Capital now closer: Mizoram’s historic Rajdhani ride

In a historic moment for Mizoram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the state’s first railway line, connecting the landlocked northeast region to India’s national railway network. The launch of the Bairabi-Sairang railway line, along with the maiden Rajdhani Express from Aizawl to Delhi, marks a transformative step in integrating Mizoram with the rest of the country.

The projects, collectively worth over Rs 9,000 crore, were launched during Modi’s three-day visit to Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar. Rain forced a change in venue from Aizawl’s Lammual Ground to Lengpui Airport, but the significance remained undiminished. The Prime Minister laid the foundation and inaugurated multiple initiatives spanning railways, highways, energy, sports, and residential education.

The 51.38-km Bairabi-Sairang railway line, sanctioned in 2008-09 and built in challenging hilly terrain, features 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 87 minor bridges. One standout is Bridge No. 144 near Sairang, taller than the Qutub Minar at 114 metres, the highest pier bridge in India. The line connects Bairabi, Hortoki, Kawnpui, Mualkhang, and Sairang, promising faster, safer, and cost-effective travel for passengers, and reliable transport for essential commodities like food grains and fertilizers.

This connectivity is part of the Centre’s ‘Act East’ policy, aimed at boosting economic integration across the Northeast. Officials highlighted that the new rail line will not only reduce travel time but also spur tourism, generate employment, and address a long-standing demand of Mizoram’s residents.

Alongside the railway launch, three new express trains were flagged off: the Sairang-Delhi Rajdhani Express, Sairang-Guwahati Express, and Sairang-Kolkata Express. Road infrastructure projects, including the 45-km Aizawl Bypass Road and Thenzawl-Sialsuk Road, aim to decongest the city, enhance connectivity for horticulture farmers, and support industrial growth like ginger processing.

Other initiatives include bridges, an LPG bottling plant, Khelo India sports halls, and residential schools under PMJVK and Eklavya Model schemes. Collectively, these projects promise to reshape Mizoram’s economic and social landscape, making the state more accessible, connected, and poised for growth.

In essence, the launch of Mizoram’s first railway line and the historic Rajdhani ride is not just about trains or tracks,it’s a milestone in bridging geographical and economic gaps, bringing the northeast closer to the heart of India.