CM makes special proposal to Railway Minister to enhance connectivity in Mizoram

Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Monday discussed key railway projects in the state with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, according to an official statement.
The Chief Minister urged the Union Minister to extend the railway line to Thenzawl in Mizoram’s Serchhip district and improve train services across the state.
During the meeting at Railway Bhawan in New Delhi, Lalduhoma stressed the urgent need to finalize the alignment of the Sairang-Thenzawl railway line in light of the ongoing Thenzawl Peace City Master Plan. The statement said Vaishnaw assured him that the alignment review would be completed before February next year.
Lalduhoma also urged the Union Railway Minister to reschedule train services between Sairang and Guwahati, and Sairang and Kolkata, so that trains arrive at Sairang station earlier than the current time for the convenience of passengers. The statement further said that Vaishnaw agreed to adjust the train schedule.
The Chief Minister also demanded faster routing and increased frequency for the Rajdhani train service between Sairang and Delhi. He stated that the journey between Sairang and Delhi currently takes 42 hours and 20 minutes and proposed increasing the frequency of the Rajdhani service from once a week to twice a week.
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 linking the Mizoram Inner Line Permit (ILP) portal with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCT) ticketing system to strengthen ILP monitoring and simplify travel formalities for visitors. The statement further said that Vaishnav agreed to examine the proposal and take necessary action.
During the meeting, the Union Minister directed the Mizoram government to identify a suitable location for a warehouse or cold storage facility near Sairang station to meet agricultural and logistics needs. At Lalduhoma’s request, Vaishnaw agreed to flag off the extension of the Silchar-Bairaby passenger service to Sairang at a convenient time.
KC Lalmalsawmzauva, Advisor to the Chief Minister (Handholding Policy), accompanied Lalduhoma during the meeting.