Vande Bharat, Rajdhani services likely in Mizoram with rail links in Northeast state becoming operational soon

The 17-km Bairabi-Hortoki section which is part of the 51-km Bairabi-Sairang line, has been operational since last year

As Mizoram’s capital Aizawl is set to become the fourth Northeastern state with its capital city linked to the national railway network, the train operations are likely to start in the next couple of weeks.

According to a report by News18, Ministry sources demanding anonymity said, “Everything is completed, and even the approvals for train operations have been received. In the next couple of weeks, most likely in July, the train operations will start.”

The 51-km Bairabi–Sairang line is likely to be inaugurated in July, having received all final approvals. Aizawl joining the India’s railway map comes weeks after Srinagar received direct train connectivity from Katra, well connected with most parts of the country.

The official told News18 that limited trains will operate to the city initially and, later depending on demand, train operations will increase.

“Vande Bharat and Rajdhani services will be introduced based on feasibility and demand," officials have been quoted as saying.

In a historic turn, a successful trial run to Sairang was also conducted on May 1 by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).

Notably, the 17-km Bairabi-Hortoki section which is part of the 51-km Bairabi-Sairang line, has been operational since last year.

In August 2024, the CRS had authorised the operation of freight and passenger trains for the broad-gauge line between Bairabi and Hortoki.

Bairabi in Kolasib district located near the border with Assam has been the only railhead in Mizoram while Sairang is a satellite town of Aizawl, around 20 km from the city.

The project worth Rs 5,021.45 crore is divided into four sections – Bairabi-Hortoki; Hortoki-Kawnpui (10 km); Kawnpui-Mualkhang (12 km); and Mualkhang-Sairang (13 km).

As per the report, the final stretch of the Bairabi–Sairang New Line Railway Project, from Hortoki to Sairang, was thoroughly inspected last month by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), Northeast Frontier Circle.

This is significant as the entire 51.38-km rail line is now completed, paving the way for direct rail connectivity to Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, for the very first time.

With the remaining three sections also approved, train connectivity is set to transform Aizawl’s future.

After Assam Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram becomes the fourth N-E state with its capital city connected to the national railway network.