Indian Railway has shared an update on the 51.38 km long Bairabi-Sairang new railway line project, on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) which is being executed by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) zone of Indian Railways.

Completed up to 91 per cent, This project is set to be completed by March 2024. It will connect Mizoram, one of the eight northeastern states of India, with the rest of the country which will help the state boost its economy, tourism and development.

The project faces many engineering, environmental and social challenges. It passes through dense forests, hilly terrain, seismic zones and remote areas, where land acquisition, forest clearance, soil erosion, slope stability and labour availability are major issues. The project also has to respect the local sentiments and aspirations of the people of Mizoram, who have been waiting for a railway line for decades.

The project has a strategic importance for the state and the nation. It will provide rail connectivity to Mizoram, which depends on road and air transport. It will also integrate Mizoram with the rest of the country and the neighbouring countries of Myanmar and Bangladesh, as part of the Trans-Asian Railway network and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project. It will also enhance the tourism potential of Mizoram, which is known for its scenic beauty, rich culture and biodiversity.

A remarkable achievement amid Covid-19 pandemic

The NFR has made remarkable progress in the Bairabi-Sairang railway line project amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The NFR has built the tallest pier in Mizoram, which is 42 metres taller than the Qutub Minar.

The NFR has also completed 49 major bridges, 77 minor bridges, 9.2 km of tunnels and 10 km of track linking. The NFR has overcome the challenges of the pandemic, such as lockdowns, restrictions, shortage of resources and health and safety protocols, by adopting various measures and coordinating with the state government and the local authorities.