Travel between Silchar in Assam's Barak Valley to Mizoram's Aizawl and Lunglei used to be nightmare. I have "experiences" of the heat and dust and frequent dizzyness and even vomiting while on travel since 1980s.
In 2018 .... the mission journalism meant covering state elections and the easy route was Jet Airways flight. But on return my luggage was withheld as was with many others due to weightage factor with the particular flight. We got our luggage only two days after.
In circa 2026; its a different world.
The story of railways in the Northeast is one of persistence and progress. In little more than a decade, the region has witnessed century-old Metre-Gauge lines upgraded, long-delayed projects revived, and capital cities like Aizawl and Imphal finally placed on the railway map.
On Jan 28, 2026 - I traveled from Sairang - near Aizawl to Katakhal in Assam. It was an eventful evening. Minutes after I deboarded; one Mizo wrongdoer was arrested at Badarpur by Assam police with the passenger carrying some gold buiscuits. Smuggling is often way of life and also the easy way to prosperity !!
Among the northeastern states; Assam has emerged as the backbone with electrification and doubling, while frontier states like Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh push tracks toward borders and trade gateways.
Tripura has already reached Bangladesh, and Meghalaya and Sikkim await their turn.
Together, these milestones mark more than engineering feats, they signal a Northeast steadily moving from isolation to integration, with steel tracks carrying the promise of growth, connectivity, and new horizons.
The Bairabi–Sairang new railway line project, inaugurated in September 2025, has revolutionized connectivity in Mizoram, linking the state capital near Aizawl directly to Guwahati and the rest of India.
This 51 km stretch features 48 tunnels and 55 major bridges, offering a significant, faster, and cheaper alternative to road travel for both passenger and freight movement.
Key Railway Infrastructure & Travel Details:
Travel to Guwahati: The daily Sairang-Guwahati Express significantly reduces travel time compared to road, with fares ranging from approximately ₹300 (sleeper) to ₹1,130 (2AC).
Key Trains: The station operates the Sairang-Guwahati Express (daily), Sairang-Kolkata Express, and the Sairang-Anand Vihar (Delhi) Rajdhani Express.
Infrastructure Marvel: The project, part of the Northeast Frontier Railway, includes 12,853 meters of tunneling and massive bridges, such as Bridge No. 196 which is 104 meters high.
Impact: The line boosts local tourism and economy by transporting essential goods, including construction materials and agricultural products (e.g., Anthurium flowers).
As of late 2025, passenger response has been very strong, with trains operating at over 100% occupancy. Plans are underway to further optimize timings and establish cold storage facilities near the station.
On Dec 14, 2025, 119 Cars Reach Sairang by Rail,
Historic Rail Movement to Strengthen Mizoram’s Infrastructure and Economy
Sairang Railway Station handled its first-ever direct inward automobile rake, carrying 119 Maruti cars from Changsari near Guwahati.
This historic movement will enhance vehicle availability in Aizawl, reduce dependence on long road transport, and benefit Mizoram’s automobile sector, including dealers, service providers, and customers, marking a significant step in the State’s infrastructural and economic development.
This achievement reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to expanding connectivity, supporting regional development, and fostering inclusive growth across the country.
In the mist-clad hills and deep valleys of India’s Northeast, a revolution is unfolding on steel tracks. What was once considered a distant terrain is now being threaded together with ambitious railway projects signaling not just connectivity, but a new era of commerce, mobility, and integration for India’s northeastern frontier.
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Since 2014, railway allocations to the region have multiplied five times, touching Rs 62,477 crore.
Ends
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