PM Modi to flag-off Mizoram’s first broad-gauge passenger train from Bairabi to Silchar today

Aizawal: Mizoram will launch its first broad-gauge passenger train on Friday between Bairabi and Silchar stations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag-off the train through video conferencing, a media report said.

A trial run of the train was conducted on May 24 and 25 to check the operability of the tracks under the supervision of Railways Safety Commissioner SK Pathak, the Assam Tribune quoted a railway official as saying.

“The condition of tracks, bridges as well as the train speed were inspected,” he added.

The train will pass through Katakhal in Cachar before reaching Silchar.

Mizoram's first broad-gauge freight train had commenced on March 21 when it reached the Bairabi Railway Station from Guwahati, carrying 2,600 metric tonnes of rice.

Before the rail tracks were built, the National Highway 54 was the only lifeline linking Aizawl with the rest of the country. The rail services will be a major boost for the state's economy.