Guwahati, 10 June (HS): An important moment has been recorded in the history of Mizoram's infrastructure with the successful commissioning of the newly constructed broad gauge (BG) line from Hartaki to Sairang and the authorization of the Railway Safety Commissioner (CRS). This milestone completes the 51.38 km Bhairabi-Sairang new line railway project, providing direct rail connectivity to the state capital Aizawl for the first time. The last 33.864 km section from Hartaki to Sairang was thoroughly inspected by the Railway Safety Commissioner (CRS) of Northeast Frontier Zone, Sumeet Singhal, between June 6 and 10.

Chief Public Relations Officer of Northeast Frontier Railway, Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, said on Tuesday that earlier, the Bhairabi to Hartaki section has already been commissioned. With the completion of the last phase, Mizoram is now fully integrated into the national railway network. This transformational feat is expected to significantly increase passenger and freight traffic, boost socio-economic development and fulfill the long-cherished aspiration of the people of Mizoram to see trains plying in the heart of their capital.

The CRS inspection was carried out through motor trolley/on foot followed by speed testing using special inspection with the aid of diesel engine. The Hartaki-Sairang section is located in a hilly area and comprises of 32 tunnels and 35 major bridges. Despite the difficult terrain, commendable work has been done by Northeast Frontier Railway. After the inspection, the CRS has permitted opening of the BG line from Hartaki to Sairang for freight and passenger trains at the maximum permissible speed of 90 kmph on the main line.

It is notable that the 51.38 km long Bhairabi-Sairang new railway line project is an engineering marvel of Indian Railways. The project comprises of 48 tunnels, 55 major bridges and 87 minor bridges. The total length of tunnels in this project is 12853 meters. The height of bridge no. 196 is 104 meters which is 42 meters higher than Qutub Minar. The project also includes 5 road over bridges and 6 road under bridges. This new line project is divided into four sections namely Bhairabi-Hartaki, Hartaki-Kaunpui, Kaunpui-Mualakhang and Mualakhang-Sairang.

This authorization is a major milestone towards integrating the capital of Mizoram into the national railway grid and reflects the commitment of Indian Railways to develop infrastructure in remote and strategically important areas.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash