Indian Railways focusing on providing more connectivity to North Eastern States

The Indian Railways is planning to extend rail connectivity to the North Eastern States soon. Survey on the new projects is being taken up, the railway authorities said. Besides, the rail connectivity to Sikkim is underway and the new line will be completed shortly.

“Indian Railways has taken up new projects in the hilly terrains connecting the capital cities of Manipur and Nagaland. A survey is underway and the works are expected to be completed in the next four years,” said South Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) A Sridhar.

“By constructing new railway station at Sairang village in Mizoram, we provided connectivity to the last point of the North Eastern States. More such projects are on the pipeline,” Northeast Frontier Railway Public Relations Officer Nilanjan Deb said on Thursday.

The new railway line laid from Bairabi to Sairang will connect Mualkhang, Kawapui and Hotaki habitations. Some thousands of tribals living in Mizoram and the neighbouring terrains will benefit from the new line, said Tommy, a student.

“A journey from Bairabi to Sairang is a wonderful experience. The train will pass through 48 tunnels, 87 minor bridges constructed on rivers and creeks, 65 major bridges and six Road Under Bridges,” said a youth Wesley, who travelled for the first time to Sairang during a test-drive, told The Hindu.

“Due to poor road and rail connectivity to Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram and the surrounding towns and villages in the hilly areas have been away from the mainland for the last few decades,” said Dennis, who runs Hotel Floria in the busy Bara Bazar in Aizawl.

“The new railway station at Sairang, located 20 km away from Aizawl, will help many tribals. Thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is focusing on the development of Northeastern States, said a Mizo tribe woman Mary, a native of Mamit village.