Maligaon (Guwahati), Dec 16 : Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has handled the first-ever direct inward automobile rake at Sairang Railway Station in Mizoram, with 119 Maruti cars transported by rail from Changsari near Guwahati, in what it called a milestone for logistics connectivity in the state.

The operation is expected to reduce dependence on long-distance road movement for vehicles and improve availability for dealers, service providers and consumers, NFR said, adding that it would support regional economic activity.

“This landmark operation by NFR will enhance goods & vehicle transportation availability in the state of Mizoram, reducing long-distance road dependence,” the railway said in a statement.

NFR linked the development to the 51.38-km Bairabi–Sairang new railway line, describing it as a challenging project built through difficult terrain with 45 tunnels.

The line was inaugurated on September 13, 2025, and has integrated Mizoram into the national rail network, it said.

Passenger services on the route — including the Rajdhani Express, Mizoram Express and Sairang–Kolkata Express — have been recording high occupancy levels, according to the railway zone.

On freight, NFR said it has expanded operations on the Bairabi–Sairang section since September, moving commodities such as cement, construction materials and automobiles.

The first freight movement on September 14, 2025, carried 21 cement wagons from Assam to Aizawl, it said.

It also cited parcel movement, including shipment of Anthurium flowers to Delhi on September 19, 2025, as opening market avenues for local producers.

NFR said 17 rakes were handled between September and December 2025 on the section.