Indian Railways Launches First Rajdhani Express Between Mizoram and Delhi on September 13

Indian Railways is set to roll out a brand-new Rajdhani Express train, marking the first such launch in six years. This train will connect Sairang in Mizoram with Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi, becoming the country’s 26th Rajdhani Express service. The introduction of this premium train is a significant milestone as it provides Mizoram with direct rail connectivity to the national capital for the first time.

Rajdhani Express: A Legacy Since 1969

The Rajdhani Express holds a special place in India’s railway history. Launched in 1969 with the New Delhi–Howrah route, it was designed to connect state capitals to New Delhi, offering speed and comfort unmatched by other trains at the time. Over the past five decades, the Rajdhani has become synonymous with premium train travel in India, combining speed, reliability, and better passenger amenities.

First New Rajdhani in Six Years

The last Rajdhani Express was introduced in 2019 between Mumbai CSMT and Delhi. Since then, no new additions have been made until now. With this launch, the Rajdhani network will expand to 26 operational trains, reaffirming its importance in Indian Railways’ premium services portfolio.

Route and Frequency of the New Train

The Sairang–Anand Vihar Rajdhani Express will cover a distance of over 2,500 km in less than 44 hours. Scheduled to run three times a week, the train will bridge the gap between Mizoram and Delhi, making travel more convenient for people from the northeastern state. This development is expected to boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between Mizoram and the rest of the country.

Historic Moment for Mizoram

For Mizoram, this train marks a historic development as it will be the first-ever train service connecting the state directly with Delhi. The project is expected to integrate Mizoram more closely with India’s transportation network, bringing enhanced mobility and economic opportunities for its residents.

Bairabi–Sairang Railway Line: An Engineering Feat

The launch of this train has been made possible by the completion of the 51.38 km Bairabi–Sairang railway project, an engineering marvel that cost approximately ₹8,000 crore. This new railway stretch will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 13, alongside the flagging off of the Rajdhani Express.

Tunnels, Bridges, and Unmatched Engineering

The Bairabi–Sairang railway line showcases some of the most challenging engineering accomplishments in India’s railway history. The line consists of 48 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 87 minor bridges, with a total tunnel length of 12,853 metres. One of the highlights is Bridge No. 196, which stands 104 metres tall—42 metres taller than the iconic Qutub Minar. This project highlights India’s growing expertise in building world-class railway infrastructure in challenging terrains.

Speed and Safety Standards

Passenger trains on the new railway line can operate at speeds of up to 100 kmph, ensuring faster travel and improved safety. The line has been designed to meet modern standards, making it capable of handling both passenger and freight traffic efficiently.

Boost to Connectivity and Economy

The new Rajdhani Express and the Bairabi–Sairang rail line are expected to strengthen connectivity for Mizoram, reduce travel times, and provide a reliable link to the rest of India. Improved connectivity is likely to benefit local industries, agriculture, and tourism, while also creating new job opportunities in the state.

Flag-Off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Bairabi–Sairang railway line and flag off the Sairang–Anand Vihar Rajdhani Express on September 13. This dual event is being seen as a landmark achievement for Indian Railways and a major step in integrating the Northeast more closely with the national mainstream.