PM Modi to Open Mizoram’s First Railway Station on September 13

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate Mizoram’s first railway station at Sairang on September 13, 2023. The announcement was made by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma during his address at the 15th Conference of the Mizoram Police Service Association in Aizawl. This station marks a significant milestone in the state’s transportation infrastructure.

The Sairang Railway Station will serve as the terminus for the 51.38 km Bairabi-Sairang broad-gauge line, a project that commenced in 2008-09. This railway line is recognized for its remarkable engineering feats, featuring 48 tunnels and 55 major bridges, including the tallest railway pier in India at 104 metres. As the project nears completion, it has successfully passed trial runs overseen by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, paving the way for passenger services to begin later this month.

Officials anticipate that this new railway link will significantly reduce transport costs and enhance passenger travel, thus providing a boost to Mizoram’s economy, agriculture, and tourism sectors. The state government has plans to develop Sairang into a world-class station equipped with modern amenities and to extend long-distance services, including routes such as the Rajdhani Express.

The completion of the Bairabi-Sairang railway line is a crucial development for North East India, connecting Aizawl to the national railway network through Silchar. Vinod Kumar, Chief Engineer of the Bairabi-Sairang Project, highlighted that the project was designated as a National project due to its importance and the challenges faced during construction.

“The biggest challenge has been the weather, particularly the prolonged monsoon season and landslides,” Kumar explained. “We also faced difficulties with the labor force, as many workers travel from other states. Nonetheless, we designed the project to withstand the monsoon conditions.”

The inception of the rail line was marked by Prime Minister Modi laying the foundation stone in 2014. Since then, the project has navigated significant geographical challenges while demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in India’s northeastern states. Kumar noted that the rail line is expected to have a lifespan exceeding 100 years.

This railway project not only symbolizes a vital connection for Mizoram but also stands as a testament to ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and development in the North East region. The successful realization of the Bairabi-Sairang line reflects broader governmental aims of improving accessibility and promoting economic growth across the region.