Maligaon, March 5 (MExN): Mizoram has witnessed significant improvements in passenger connectivity and freight movement following the introduction of railway services in the state, giving a boost to economic activities and tourism in the region.
In a historic development, the first-ever Food Corporation of India (FCI) food grain cargo train arrived at Sairang Railway Station on March 3, officials said.
The cargo train comprised 42 wagons carrying around 25,900 quintals of rice from Punjab, marking a major step in strengthening rail-based freight connectivity and improving the supply chain of essential commodities in the state.
The FCI rake was received at the station by Mizoram Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs B. Lalchhanzova, Rajya Sabha MP K. Vanlalvena and other dignitaries.
Officials said the successful unloading of the inward FCI food grain rake at Sairang reflects the growing operational capability of the station and highlights the expanding role of railway infrastructure in supporting Mizoram’s logistics and food distribution network.
The development follows the inauguration of the 51.38-km Bairabi–Sairang railway line on September 13, 2025 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The project brought Aizawl onto India’s railway map by linking the state capital to the national railway network and is expected to boost economic growth and tourism in the region.
Tourism boost
The newly opened railway line has also provided momentum to tourism in Mizoram, with the state witnessing a steady increase in the number of visitors over the past six months.
Railway services reached another milestone with the arrival of the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train at Sairang Railway Station for the first time on February 12 under the “North East Discovery” circuit.
The premium tourist train carried 81 tourists from different parts of India as well as foreign visitors from countries such as the United States and Nepal, reflecting Mizoram’s growing visibility on the national and international tourism map.
Improved connectivity has helped attract domestic and international visitors, contributing to employment generation in hospitality and allied sectors, promoting eco-tourism and cultural tourism, and positioning Mizoram as an emerging tourist destination in the Northeast.
Passenger response strong
Since the commencement of train services on the Bairabi–Sairang route in September 2025, passenger response has been strong, officials said.
The Sairang–Anand Vihar Rajdhani Express has recorded occupancy exceeding 150 per cent in both directions, while the Sairang–Guwahati Express and Sairang–Kolkata Express have also registered occupancy levels of over 100 per cent.
In another development, a new train service connecting Sairang and Silchar was flagged off on February 9, 2026 by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, further strengthening regional connectivity and linking Mizoram with the Barak Valley in Assam, an important educational, medical and commercial hub.
Freight movement rises
Freight operations on the Bairabi–Sairang section have also gathered momentum since its commissioning.
Officials said the first freight rake comprising 21 cement wagons reached Sairang shortly after the line’s inauguration, marking the beginning of regular freight movement to the state.
Between September 2025 and March 2026, the Sairang terminal handled more than 30 freight rakes. These included 3.5 rakes of cement, 20.5 rakes of stone chips, four rakes of sand, two rakes of automobiles and half a rake of fertilisers.
The first inward automobile rake carrying 119 passenger vehicles was received at Sairang in December 2025, demonstrating the line’s capability to handle high-value bulk consignments.
The Northeast Frontier Railway has also initiated steps to strengthen parcel logistics, including the introduction of refrigerated parcel van services to facilitate the transportation of horticultural and other perishable produce, helping local farmers and traders access wider markets.
