New Delhi: The 51.38-km Bairabi-Sairang railway line has completed its first year of operations, recording more than 15 lakh passenger journeys and over 2,500 freight wagons handled at Sairang since its inauguration in September 2025.
The railway line, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 13, 2025, extended the national railway network into Mizoram’s hilly terrain and brought rail connectivity closer to Aizawl, the state capital.
The corridor includes 45 tunnels spanning nearly 16 km and 153 bridges, including 55 major bridges, 88 minor bridges and 10 road overbridges/underbridges.
One of its bridges has a height of 114 metres, making it 42 metres taller than Delhi’s Qutub Minar, according to the sources.
Over 15 Lakh Passengers Use Rail Services
The railway connection has introduced direct and regular services linking Sairang with major cities across the country.
The services include:
- Sairang–Anand Vihar Rajdhani Express, providing Mizoram with a direct premium rail connection to Delhi.
- Sairang–Guwahati service, offering daily connectivity with Assam.
- Sairang–Kolkata service, operating three times a week.
- Sairang–Silchar passenger service, introduced in January 2026.
Together, these services have completed more than 1,100 trips in the first year and carried over 15 lakh passengers.
The passenger demand has remained high, with trains operating above their designated capacity on trips.
Sairang Station Handles 5.54 Lakh Passenger Movements
Sairang railway station has recorded more than 5.54 lakh passenger movements during the year, averaging around 3,300 passengers a day.
The passenger services have also generated approximately ₹54 crore in ticket revenue for Indian Railways.
Occupancy levels reported for the major services include:
- Sairang–Kolkata: More than 140% average occupancy
- Sairang–Guwahati: More than 110%
- Sairang–Anand Vihar Rajdhani: More than 145%
Freight Trains Bring Cement, Cars and Essential Supplies
The railway line has also emerged as a freight route for Mizoram, particularly for construction materials and essential commodities.
The first freight train reached Sairang on September 14, 2025, carrying more than 26,000 bags of cement from the STAR Cement siding at Tetelia near Guwahati.
Since then, more than 2,500 wagons of freight have been delivered to Sairang.
Around 70% of the freight comprised construction materials such as cement, stone and sand. Other consignments included rice, fertilisers and automobiles.
A significant milestone came in December 2025, when the first automobile consignment arrived at Sairang, carrying 119 Maruti cars from Changsari near Guwahati.
Key freight developments:
- More than 2,500 freight wagons handled in one year
- Around 70% of freight comprised construction materials
- 156 wagons carried automobiles
- First cement rake arrived a day after the line’s inauguration
- First automobile rake reached Sairang in December 2025
Rail Connectivity Opens New Tourism and Education Routes
The new railway links have also expanded travel options for visitors and residents of Mizoram.
Tourism in the state has increased by over 86% since the introduction of railway connectivity.
The new rail access has also supported travel for students attending universities, professional institutions, examinations and other academic events outside Mizoram.
The increased movement of visitors is expected to benefit businesses such as hotels, homestays, restaurants, taxis, guides and local markets.
Mizoram’s Flowers and Crafts Get Access to National Markets
Rail connectivity is also providing a route for local products to reach markets outside the state.
The first parcel consignment from Sairang was booked on September 19, 2025, carrying Anthurium flowers to Delhi through the parcel van of the Sairang-Anand Vihar Rajdhani Express.
The railway network is also being positioned as a transportation channel for Mizoram’s handloom, bamboo, cane and other craft products, along with agricultural and other local produce.
From Passenger Connectivity to a Wider Economic Link
Within its first year, the Bairabi-Sairang line has developed into both a passenger and freight corridor connecting Mizoram more closely with the national railway network.
The combination of long-distance passenger services, freight movement, automobile transportation and parcel connectivity has expanded the range of goods and people that can move between Mizoram and other parts of India by rail.
The railway line therefore marks a shift in Mizoram’s connectivity landscape, with Sairang emerging as a new passenger and logistics gateway for the state.
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