New Delhi — The Indian Railways has taken major strides to strengthen connectivity in the northeastern region, with new freight and passenger train operations expanding access and opportunities.
In Nagaland, freight services began in September with the arrival of the first rake of 41 cement wagons from Telangana at Molvom station on September 24. Just days later, on September 29, the first outward rake departed Molvom carrying 42 wagons of stone chips bound for Jirania in Tripura. Railways is also pushing ahead with the Dimapur–Kohima (Dhansiri–Zubza) line, which will extend services to the state capital. While the stretch up to Molvom is complete, the final leg to Zubza is expected by December 2029.
Mizoram, too, was brought onto the Indian Railways map after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bairabi–Sairang railway line on September 13. Built at a cost of over ₹8,000 crore, the 51-km line connects state capital Aizawl to the national railway network for the first time. The Prime Minister also flagged off three new services: the Sairang–Delhi Rajdhani Express, the Sairang–Kolkata Mizoram Express, and the Sairang–Guwahati Aizawl Intercity.
The engineering feat behind Mizoram’s line is striking, with 143 bridges and 45 tunnels carved into challenging terrain — one bridge even taller than Delhi’s Qutub Minar. Like other Himalayan projects, the track alternates between bridges and tunnels across rugged landscapes.
Railways has significantly increased its focus on the Northeast under the Act East policy. Budget allocation for the region has risen five-fold compared to 2009–2014. In the current fiscal year alone, ₹10,440 crore has been earmarked, while total allocations from 2014–2025 stand at ₹62,477 crore. Projects worth nearly ₹77,000 crore are underway.
“The growing demand for both passenger and freight services showcases how railway connectivity is transforming lives in the Northeast. Beyond convenience, these new links promise economic growth, better market access for local products, and new opportunities for trade and employment,” said an official statement.
With inputs from IANS