A historic landmark has been marked with the completion of the railway bridge near Sairang in Mizoram, which now connects the state capital Aizawl, establishing a railway network after a long wait of more than seven decades since India’s Independence.
Ashwini Vaishnav, Union Railways Minister flagged the breakthrough achievement on Thursday through a video uploaded on his social media website X, in which the finished bridge of Sairang is shown. With the post, he also added that this railway bridge will mark the enhancement of connectivity and transportation through railways in Mizoram.
The new railway line covers 51.38 km from Barthabi in Assam to Sairang, near Aizawl. A total of ₹8,215 crore is said to be invested, with the early investment cost of ₹7,714 crore in this project. Rajya Sabha MP K Vanlalvena stated that the railway line is set to be operational in a few months, and the bridge might see the inauguration in July, ready to service.
The railway stretch will comprise four segments: Bairabi-Hortoki, Hortoki-Kawnpui, Kawnpui-Mualkhang and Mualkhang-Sairang. If and once the railway becomes operational, it will enhance the transportation network in Mizoram, making travel much easier, and with greater trade opportunities.
This railway connection was predicted to be of much importance in the history of Mizoram, with a look forward towards the new opportunities for business, tourism, and economic development in the state. It represents a new era for Mizoram with improved access to goods and services and greater connectivity to other regions of the country.
Edited by Saumya Sharan
