Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has urged the Union Government to enhance rail connectivity to the state, including the introduction of a Rajdhani Express connecting Sairang, a satellite town of Aizawl, to New Delhi. The request was made during a meeting with Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in New Delhi.
In the meeting, Chief Minister Lalduhoma emphasized the need for direct railway services from Kolkata’s Howrah station to Sairang, as well as a new rail link between Mizoram and neighboring Tripura. He also appealed for the development of a world-class railway station in Sairang, equipped with a Railway Reservation Centre, Parcel Management System, and internet services to meet the needs of modern travelers and facilitate trade.
Sairang, located approximately 20 kilometers from the state capital Aizawl, is set to become a vital rail hub as the Bairabi–Sairang railway line nears completion. Lalduhoma also highlighted the importance of giving employment priority to local residents at railway stations in Mizoram, specifically naming Hortoki, Kawnpui, Mualkhang, and Sairang.
According to The Indian Express, a senior official from the Ministry of Railways confirmed that the formal inauguration of the Bairabi–Sairang line is likely to take place after June 17. “The Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) will conduct the inspection of the project this week. Only after that can the inauguration happen, leading to the start of train operations. Barring a few sideworks, work on the line is almost complete,” the official said.
A successful trial run to Sairang was conducted by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) on May 1, marking a milestone in the long-awaited rail project aimed at integrating Mizoram more fully with the rest of the country.
Responding to the Chief Minister’s requests, Union Minister Vaishnaw said the proposals were feasible and assured that the Ministry of Railways would examine them closely.
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