Rail Link To Myanmar Border Gains Pace: NFR Eyes Strategic, Economic Boost For Northeast

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is moving ahead with the final survey of a 223-km railway line from Sairang in Mizoram to Hbichhuah on the Myanmar border, a project seen as both a strategic necessity and an economic opportunity, The Assam Tribune reported.

The survey is expected to be completed this year, after which a detailed project report will be placed before the Railway Board.

Strategists have long argued that a rail route to the Myanmar border could provide an additional lifeline to the region in times of crisis, while also complementing the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project that connects India with Myanmar’s Sittwe port.

The initiative falls under the Centre’s Capital Connectivity Project, which seeks to link all Northeastern state capitals with the national railway map.

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With Mizoram already integrated, Imphal is expected to be connected by 2028 and Kohima by 2029. Arunachal Pradesh’s Pasighat line is targeted for 2027.

The timing is crucial. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Bairabi-Sairang New Line Project next month, a development that NFR officials say could trigger a transformation in Mizoram’s economy by enabling bulk transport of bamboo, agricultural produce, and fuel.

Tourism is also expected to benefit, with the Indian Railway planning to bring Bharat Darshan trains to the state and NFR considering Vistadome services.

“The Aizawl to Hbichhuah final survey is in progress and is expected to be completed within this year. Once it is done, a detailed project report will be submitted to the Railway Board,” said NFR CPRO Kapinjal Kishore Sharma was quoted by The Assam Tribune.

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