Mizoram CM meets railway minister to push Sairang–Thenzawl line, ILP integration

Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Monday met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss key railway projects in the state, an official statement said.

The Chief Minister urged the Union Minister to extend the railway line up to Thenzawl in central Mizoram's Serchhip district and improve train services across the state.

During the meeting at Railway Bhawan in New Delhi, Lalduhoma highlighted the urgent need to finalise the alignment of the Sairang–Thenzawl railway line in view of the ongoing Thenzawl Peace City Master Plan. Vaishnaw assured him that the alignment review would be completed before February next year, the statement said.

Lalduhoma also requested the Union Railway Minister to reschedule train services between Sairang and Guwahati, and Sairang and Kolkata, so that trains reach Sairang station earlier than the current timings for commuters’ convenience. Vaishnaw agreed to adjust the train schedules, the statement added.

The Chief Minister further sought faster routing and increased frequency of the Rajdhani train service between Sairang and Delhi. He said the travel time between Sairang and Delhi currently takes 42 hours and 20 minutes and proposed raising the frequency of the Rajdhani service from once a week to twice weekly.

The Railway Minister agreed to shorten the route, confirming that the improved route would reduce travel time by approximately four hours. Regarding frequency, he said he would pursue the matter with officials.

Lalduhoma also proposed integrating the Mizoram Inner Line Permit (ILP) portal with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) ticketing system to strengthen ILP monitoring and simplify travel formalities for visitors. Vaishnaw agreed to examine the proposal and take necessary action, the statement added.

During the meeting, the Union Minister instructed the Mizoram government to identify a suitable site for a warehouse or cold storage facility near Sairang station to support agricultural and logistical needs. On Lalduhoma’s request, Vaishnaw agreed to flag off the extension of the Silchar–Bairabi passenger service up to Sairang at a convenient time.

Lalduhoma was accompanied by KC Lalmalsawmzauva, Adviser to the Chief Minister (Handholding Policy), during the meeting.