Mizoram has received its first consignment of rail-carried automobiles, marking a major milestone in the state’s transport and logistics landscape, with 119 cars reaching Sairang Railway Station from Changsari near Guwahati.
The arrival of the first-ever direct inward automobile rake is expected to significantly improve vehicle availability in Aizawl, reduce dependence on long and costly road transportation, and provide a boost to the state’s automobile ecosystem, benefiting dealers, service providers and consumers alike.
The Ministry of Railways described the development as a significant step in Mizoram’s infrastructural and economic advancement.
According to an official release, the milestone underscores Indian Railways’ push to enhance connectivity in the Northeast, promote regional development and support inclusive growth across the country.
The automobile rake was handled on the Bairabi–Sairang railway line, a key infrastructure project that has transformed rail access to Mizoram.
The 51.38-km Bairabi–Sairang line, carved through difficult terrain and passing through 45 tunnels, is considered a critical link for integrating the state with the national rail network.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the line on September 13, flagging off the Rajdhani Express between Aizawl (Sairang) and Delhi’s Anand Vihar Terminal, the Mizoram Express between Aizawl (Sairang) and Guwahati, and an Express service connecting Aizawl (Sairang) with Kolkata.
Railway officials said passenger response to the new services has been strong, with occupancy levels exceeding capacity.
The Sairang–Anand Vihar Terminal Rajdhani Express has recorded 147 per cent occupancy, the Sairang–Guwahati Mizoram Express 115 per cent, and the Sairang–Kolkata Express 139 per cent.
Passengers have reported the services to be convenient, time-saving and cost-effective.
Improved rail connectivity has also widened access to major cities, economic centres, as well as educational and healthcare facilities in neighbouring states, the Ministry said.
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Freight operations on the Bairabi–Sairang line commenced soon after its inauguration.
The first freight train, run on September 14, carried 21 wagons of cement from Assam to Aizawl.
Since then, the route has handled essential commodities such as cement, construction materials, sand, stone chips and now automobiles.
The line has also begun supporting parcel movement. On September 19, the first outbound parcel consignment from Sairang was booked, with Anthurium flowers transported to Anand Vihar Terminal via the parcel van attached to the Sairang–Anand Vihar Terminal Rajdhani Express.
Between September 17 and December 12, a total of 17 freight and parcel rakes were handled.
The Ministry said the steady increase in both passenger and freight traffic indicates that the Bairabi–Sairang line is emerging as a dependable logistics corridor, lowering transportation costs and reinforcing Mizoram’s economic and infrastructure growth.
