Aizwal: Mizoram’s capital Aizwal is set to get its first railway line that will not only cut travel time but also enhance regional mobility, and boost local tourism. The much-anticipated Bairabi-Sairang railway line which is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week will connect Mizoram’s capital Aizawl to the country’s rail network.
The new railway line, which is part is part of the Centre’s Act East policy, will link Aizawl with Assam’s Silchar town and with the rest of the country, bringing Mizoram fully onto the nation’s railway map. The passenger trains can run at speeds of up to 100 kmph on the newly-constructed rail line.
New railway line to cut travel time
The 51.38-km-long railway line will cut travel time between Silchar and Aizawl by nearly four hours. Presently, it takes 8-10 hours to reach Silchar by road. Once operational, people from Aizwal can travel to Silchar by train in just fours hours, enjoying the natural beauty, cultural diversity, rolling hills and dense forests of the state.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has said that Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the Bairabi-Sairang railway line on September 13. He said that PM Modi will arrive in the northeastern state on September 12 and inaugurate the railway project the next day.
Engineering marvel
The key infrastructure project, built at a cost of around Rs 8,000 crore, is being seen as an engineering marvel as the rail line consists of 48 tunnels stretching over 12.8 km, 55 major bridges, and 87 minor bridges. Bridge number 196 rises to 104 metres, taller than the Qutub Minar.
“The path-breaking operation will also stimulate commercial activities, economic development and strengthen train connectivity across the northeastern states, generating employment opportunities and promoting small-business growth near stations and goods sheds,” the Northeast Frontier Railway said.