Mizoram, Sep.13,2025:The inauguration of the Mizoram First Railway Line marks a historic moment for the Northeast. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, dedicated the long-awaited Barabi–Sairang railway project to the nation, virtually flagging off Mizoram’s first-ever Capital Express train connecting Aizawl with Delhi.
The ₹9,000 crore project is more than just steel tracks and bridges—it is a lifeline that promises to transform agriculture, trade, and livelihoods in Mizoram, a landlocked state that has long struggled with connectivity challenges.
Details of the Mizoram First Railway Line
According to Press Trust of India (PTI), the project cost stands at around ₹8,070 crore.
Key features include:
- A 51.38 km railway stretch from Barabi to Sairang.
- 45 tunnels, cutting through Mizoram’s hilly terrain.
- 55 major bridges and 87 minor bridges built to ensure smooth travel.
This makes it one of the most complex and ambitious railway projects in India’s Northeast.
PM Modi’s Inaugural Speech
In his address, Prime Minister Modi recalled the foundation stone ceremony years ago and expressed pride in dedicating the completed line to the people.
He said-
“This is not just rail connectivity—it is the lifeline of transformation. The Barabi–Sairang railway line will revolutionize lives and livelihoods in Mizoram. Farmers and businesses can now reach larger markets across India.”
PM Modi also hailed the engineers and workers who braved the region’s challenging terrain to complete the project.
Tunnels and Bridges
The Mizoram First Railway Line is an engineering feat.
- The longest tunnel is over 6 kilometers long, cutting through hard rock formations.
- Bridges had to be constructed over deep valleys and rivers, some reaching breathtaking heights.
- Advanced technologies, including geo-technical innovations, were deployed to manage landslide-prone zones.
Such projects highlight how India’s infrastructure is steadily overcoming the Northeast’s geographical challenges.
Aizawl-Delhi Capital Express- A New Journey
The inauguration also flagged off Mizoram’s first Capital Express train, linking Aizawl directly to Delhi.
This train not only connects the state capital with India’s political heart but also symbolizes Mizoram’s closer integration into the national mainstream.
For students, professionals, and traders, this new link reduces dependence on air travel, lowering costs and providing a new travel option.
How Mizoram Farmers Will Benefit
A central highlight of the project is its impact on Mizoram’s farmers.
- With direct rail access, agricultural products like ginger, oranges, and bamboo can now be transported to major markets in Delhi, Kolkata, and beyond.
- Lower transport costs will increase farmers’ profits.
- Perishable goods will reach buyers faster, reducing waste.
As PM Modi stressed:
“Farmers of Mizoram will no longer be limited to local mandis—they can reach bigger markets across the country.”
Economic Impact on Northeast India
The Mizoram First Railway Line is part of India’s broader effort to unlock the economic potential of the Northeast.
Benefits include:
- Boost to trade and tourism – Easier travel for domestic and foreign visitors.
- Job creation – Local businesses and logistics companies will thrive.
- Integration with Act East Policy – Enhanced connectivity with Myanmar and Southeast Asia in the future.
According to The Hindu, improved connectivity in the Northeast is seen as vital for India’s economic and strategic ambitions.
Challenges Faced During Construction
The project faced numerous hurdles:
- Difficult Terrain – Mizoram’s mountains required heavy tunneling and high bridges.
- Weather Issues – Monsoons caused delays due to landslides and flooding.
- Logistical Barriers – Transporting heavy machinery into the region was a huge task.
Despite this, Indian Railways and local workers ensured the line was completed.
Northeast Connectivity Push by Indian Railways
The Mizoram project is part of a larger vision to connect all Northeast state capitals by rail.
Other projects include:
- Arunachal Pradesh already has a rail link to Naharlagun.
- Work is ongoing in Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Sikkim.
- The Jiribam–Imphal line in Manipur is another landmark project nearing completion.
This initiative ensures that the Northeast, often considered remote, becomes more integrated with India’s transport grid.
Reactions from Mizoram and Beyond
The inauguration has been widely celebrated:
- Local leaders hailed the project as a “dream come true” for Mizoram.
- Farmers’ unions welcomed the opportunities for better market access.
- Youth groups called it a “symbol of hope” for new jobs and industries.
Social media also lit up with posts celebrating the moment when Mizoram finally entered India’s railway map.
The inauguration of the Mizoram First Railway Line by PM Modi is not just about trains and tracks—it represents a new era for Northeast India.
With improved connectivity, Mizoram’s farmers, traders, students, and entrepreneurs now have opportunities that were unimaginable just a decade ago.
This ₹9,000 crore project symbolizes India’s commitment to inclusive development, ensuring no state is left behind.
