Agartala, August 12, 2025: Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, is poised to be connected to the Indian Railways network for the first time with the near completion of the Bairabi–Sairang New Railway Line Project under Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). Part of the Centre’s capital connectivity initiative, the project will extend railway services up to Sairang—just a short drive from Aizawl—dramatically improving accessibility to the hill state and unlocking new avenues for trade, travel, and tourism.

In a move to capitalise on this milestone, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mizoram Government in August 2025 to promote both inbound and outbound tourism. Under the agreement, IRCTC will serve as the front-end marketing agency, while Mizoram Tourism will provide access to tourist infrastructure, including lodges, and jointly develop curated travel packages.

The collaboration aims to foster local Destination Management Companies and service providers to arrange transportation, accommodation, and guided tours showcasing Mizoram’s rich culture—from bamboo dances, folk music, and ceremonial rituals to the state’s vibrant festivals. Alongside its cultural appeal, Mizoram offers a diverse tourism palette of emerald valleys, rolling hills, pristine waterfalls, heritage sites, and growing adventure tourism opportunities, all complemented by its renowned hospitality.

The MoU also aligns with IRCTC’s upcoming “Discover NE Beyond Guwahati” special tourist train, in which Aizawl will be a key stop once railway services begin. The train will focus on budget-friendly, sustainable travel experiences.

Together, the enhanced rail connectivity and tourism push are expected to open Mizoram to wider domestic and international markets, boosting local livelihoods and placing the state firmly on the national tourism map.

This was confirmed in a press communiqué on Monday by Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of NFR.