The launch of Mizoram’s first Rajdhani Express has sparked overwhelming demand, with passenger and freight traffic surging across the state and neighbouring Nagaland following the commissioning of new railway projects. Officials of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) reported that trains from Sairang, near Aizawl, have been running at full capacity since passenger services began on September 13, signalling strong confidence in the region’s enhanced connectivity.
The 51.38-km Bairabi-Sairang railway line, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has made Aizawl the fourth Northeast capital with a railway link, joining Guwahati, Agartala, and Itanagar. As part of the launch, three new passenger trains were introduced: the Sairang-Anand Vihar Rajdhani Express (weekly), Kolkata-Sairang Express (tri-weekly), and Guwahati-Sairang Express (daily).
According to NFR Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, the response has exceeded expectations. The Sairang-Delhi Rajdhani Express posted an occupancy of 162.5 per cent, while the return service recorded 158.3 per cent. Similarly, the Kolkata-Sairang Express reached nearly full capacity, with the return journey logging an impressive 144.8 per cent occupancy. The Guwahati-Sairang Express also maintained nearly 100 per cent bookings, with sleeper classes sold out.
The demand highlights the appetite for direct, reliable, and long-distance rail services from Mizoram. For locals, the Rajdhani Express has not only provided a direct link to Delhi but also placed Mizoram firmly on the national railway map.
On the freight front, the new Sairang station has handled eight rakes in just over two weeks of operations. These included consignments of cement, stone chips, automobiles, and sand, while Mizoram also sent its first parcel consignment of Anthurium flowers to Delhi via the Rajdhani Express on September 19.
Nagaland too has entered the freight network with the newly operational Molvom station. Its first inward rake of cement arrived on September 24, followed by the first outward rake of stone chips sent to Tripura on September 29. The development is expected to accelerate trade and reduce logistical costs across the region.
Railway officials said the twin gains in passenger travel and freight handling underscore how new railway projects are transforming the Northeast. Beyond easing travel, the projects are projected to boost economic growth, improve market access for local products, and create employment opportunities.
With Mizoram now connected by Rajdhani Express and Nagaland beginning freight services, railway infrastructure is poised to become a vital driver of integration and development across the Northeast.
