Mizoram has achieved a milestone in its transport and logistics sector with the arrival of the first-ever consignment of rail-carried automobiles on Sunday. A total of 119 cars were delivered to Sairang Railway Station, said to be a significant step forward for the state’s infrastructure. The vehicles were transported from Changsari near Guwahati in Assam via a direct automobile rake.
"This delivery is poised to have a lasting impact on vehicle availability in Aizawl, while reducing the state's reliance on costly and time-consuming road transportation. The improved accessibility to automobiles is expected to not only benefit vehicle dealers and service providers but also provide greater convenience and affordability to consumers," said an official of the state government.
The Ministry of Railways hailed the development as a major advancement in Mizoram’s infrastructural growth.
"It is seen as part of a broader effort by Indian Railways to enhance connectivity in the Northeast and foster regional development. The government has emphasised that this initiative will contribute to inclusive growth across the country," said an official of Indian Railways.
The consignment of cars arrived via the Bairabi–Sairang railway line, an infrastructure project that has provided rail access to Mizoram. Passing through 45 tunnels, the facility serves as a crucial link that integrates the state with the national rail network.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bairabi-Sairang line on September 13. Since its inauguration, passenger services have received an overwhelmingly positive response, with train occupancy levels exceeding capacity. The Sairang-Anand Vihar Terminal Rajdhani Express has seen 147 per cent occupancy, while the Sairang-Guwahati Mizoram Express and Sairang–Kolkata Express have recorded occupancy rates of 115 per cent and 139 per cent respectively.
The improved rail connectivity has also facilitated access to important cities, economic hubs, and healthcare and educational facilities in neighbouring states.
Freight operations on the Bairabi–Sairang line have been in motion since shortly after its inauguration. The first freight train, which ran on September 14, transported 21 wagons of cement from Assam to Aizawl. Since then, the route has handled a variety of essential commodities, including cement, construction materials, sand, stone chips, and, more recently, automobiles. In addition, the line has begun supporting parcel services, with the first outbound parcel consignment — Anthurium flowers — being shipped to Anand Vihar Terminal via the Sairang–Anand Vihar Terminal Rajdhani Express on September 19.
Between September 17 and December 12, a total of 17 freight and parcel rakes were handled. The increasing traffic indicates that the Bairabi–Sairang route is effectively reducing transportation costs and bolstering the state’s economic growth.
Also read: Mizoram logs over 65 pc biometric enrolment of Myanmar refugees
Follow us
