Aizawl Becomes Fourth Northeast State Capital Connected by Rail

Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram has now become the fourth Northeast state capital to join the national railway network, along with Dispur (from Assam) and the two from Arunachal Pradesh- Itanagar and Naharlagun. The Bairabi-Sairang rail project which took Rs 5,021 crore to build over 51.38 km, links Aizawl to Sairang, a neighboring town 20 km from the state capital. The government is making infrastructure in Northeastern India a priority and connectivity is a key part of this push. A number of other capitals such as Gangtok, Imphal, Kohima and Shillong, are yet to get railways.

Context:

• Connecting to the national railway network with the establishment of the Bairabi-Sairang rail line, Aizawl has made an important step forward in Northeastern infrastructure.

• A number of rail schemes are ongoing in the region such as significant lines heading to Sikkim and Manipur which boost both regional networks and strategic connections.

Key Points

• Bairabi–Sairang Rail Project was launched as part of the development project worth Rs 5,021.45 crore.

• The drive goes for 51.38 km, connecting Bairabi in Kolasib district to Sairang close to Aizawl.

• A trial run took place on 1 May 2025, and the the expected inauguration date is on 17 June 2025, subject to passing safety checks.

How Railways Reach Northeast:

• The capital cities linked by railways are:  Dispur (Assam), Itanagar and Naharlagun (Arunachal Pradesh), Aizawl (Mizoram).

• The capital cities not yet linked by railways are: Gangtok (Sikkim), Imphal (Manipur), Kohima (Nagaland) and Shillong (Meghalaya).

Major Current Rail Projects:

• Sikkim and West Bengal will be connected by rail by December 2027 through the Sivok-Rangpo Rail Line (Sikkim).

• The line connecting Jiribam to the capital Imphal in Manipur (the Jiribam-Imphal Rail Line) is under construction and stretches for 111 km.

Strategy and Challenges

• Because of its valued strategic position, especially near the border, development of rail links takes priority in the Northeast.

• Local protests are keeping Meghalaya projects from moving ahead.

• Double-tracking and the building of new lines is being carried out in many states by the government.

Northeast Frontier Railway Zone

• It was established in 1958.

• The headquarters is in Guwahati.

• Covers 8 Northeastern states including Sikkim, Assam, and Mizoram

• Divisions: Katihar, Alipurduar, Rangiya, Lumding, Tinsukia.

Conclusion

Having Aizawl added to the national rail network greatly supports economic growth and offers more strategic transport options throughout Northeast India. The region needs more rail infrastructure to solve geographical problems, help the region grow and give a boost to national security along this sensitive border.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q. From the list below which Northeast Indian state capitals have access to the national railways?

1. Itanagar

2. Aizawl

3. Gangtok

4. Naharlagun

Pick the correct option using the line of code below.

(a) Only 1, 2 and 4 are correct

(b) Only 1 is correct

c) Only 2, 3 and 4 are correct

d) All of the above are correct