Mizoram, Nagaland rail services see huge demand

Within a month of its launch, the Bairabi-Sairang railway line, connecting Mizoram to the rest of the country, has shown “remarkable results,” with its Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express and a cargo train to Nagaland receiving an overwhelming response, the Railway Ministry said on Thursday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 51.38-km line on September 13 by flagging off the first Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express. “Railways has witnessed an encouraging response from both passengers and freight customers following the commissioning of the Bairabi-Sairang line in Mizoram and the commencement of freight operations from Molvom in Nagaland,” a ministry statement said.
The line promises better market access for local products, and new trade and employment opportunities. Tourist and travel interest has been high, with several trains recording occupancy above full capacity. Train No. 20507 (Sairang-Anand Vihar Terminal, Delhi) Rajdhani Express saw 162.5% occupancy, while its return service, Train No. 20508, recorded 158.3%. Guwahati-bound services also saw strong patronage: Train No. 15609 (Guwahati-Sairang) Express achieved 100.1% occupancy, and Train No. 15610 maintained almost full occupancy. Kolkata-bound trains similarly drew strong demand, with Train No. 13126 (Sairang-Kolkata) Express nearly full and its return service, Train No. 13125, at 144.8% occupancy, including 144% in sleeper class.
On the freight front, eight rakes were unloaded at Sairang station till September 30. The first rake, arriving September 14, carried 21 wagons of cement from STAR Cement Siding, Tetelia near Guwahati, followed by three rakes of stone chips, one of automobiles, one of RMC, and one of sand from Bairabi.
The first parcel consignment, Anthurium flowers, was transported to Anand Vihar Terminal on September 19 via Train No. 20507.
“These trends reflect strong demand for direct and reliable rail connectivity to and from Mizoram,” the ministry said, highlighting the railway’s role as a lifeline for growth and development.