Mizoram’s Capital Gets Rail Link 78 Years After Independence, NFR Conducts First-Ever Trial Run to Sairang

In a historic milestone, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) successfully conducted its first-ever trial run to Sairang in Aizwal, the capital of Mizoram, on May 1, 2025 — connecting the city to India’s national railway network for the very first time, 78 years after independence.

The trial run was conducted in the presence of Arun Kumar Chaudhary, General Manager (Construction), along with other senior railway officials. The momentous achievement marks Mizoram as the fourth state in the Northeast with its capital now connected by rail, boosting hopes for enhanced logistics, tourism, and economic development in the remote hill state.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the Bhairabi–Sairang railway project, Chaudhary briefed Mizoram Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Lalduhoma, and other dignitaries. He confirmed that construction is progressing smoothly and said that an inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety is expected in early June, with the formal inauguration likely after June 17, 2025.

Spanning 51.38 km, the Bhairabi–Sairang rail line is a remarkable engineering feat, featuring 48 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 87 minor bridges. Tunnel lengths total 12,853 metres, and bridge number 196 soars to a height of 104 metres — 42 metres taller than the Qutub Minar.

The line is divided into four sections: Bhairabi–Hortoki, Hortoki–Kawnpui, Kawnpui–Mualkhang, and Mualkhang–Sairang.

According to NFR, the project will significantly reduce travel time to and from Mizoram’s capital, provide access to essential supplies, and lower transportation costs. It is also expected to uplift small-scale industries and strengthen long-distance travel connectivity across the country.