The Bairabi-Sairang railway line in Mizoram has completed its first year of operation, emerging as a major link for passenger travel, freight movement, tourism and local economic activity. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 13, 2025, the 51.38-km line has carried more than 15 lakh passengers and handled over 2,500 freight wagons during its first year. More than 1,100 train services have connected Sairang with Guwahati, Kolkata and New Delhi, along with the Sairang-Silchar passenger service. Several long-distance services have operated at more than full capacity, reflecting strong demand for the new connectivity, while the railway has generated around ₹54 crore in ticket revenue. Freight movement has also expanded, with consignments including cement, stone, sand, rice, fertilisers and automobiles. The first freight train reached Sairang just a day after the line was inaugurated, while the first automobile consignment brought 119 Maruti cars to the state. The railway has also opened new opportunities for Mizoram’s tourism sector and local businesses, with increased visitor numbers benefiting hotels, homestays, restaurants, transport operators and other enterprises. Rail connectivity has further created a new avenue for transporting local products, including flowers, handloom goods, bamboo and cane crafts, to markets outside the state. Built through Mizoram’s challenging hilly terrain, the corridor includes 153 bridges and 45 tunnels, reflecting the scale of engineering involved. One year on, the Bairabi-Sairang railway has moved beyond being a transport project, strengthening Mizoram’s links with the rest of India while supporting tourism, trade, education and broader economic opportunities.